Navigating the challenges of an ALS diagnosis while maintaining a commitment to his team, Wasatch High School football coach Pat Dettman exemplifies resilience and passion. It all began for Pat in January during a football long snapping camp in Las Vegas, where he was accompanying his son, Brock. As he attempted to retrieve a ball, he experienced a sudden and alarming incident: his right knee buckled, causing him to fall.
"My wife and daughters couldn’t help but laugh at me, thinking I was just being my usual clumsy self," Pat recounted. However, as the months passed, he encountered a few more falls that left him increasingly concerned. By April, he decided it was time to schedule a visit to the doctor—an action his wife Lorraine humorously noted was quite unusual for him.
"It seems that men often avoid going to the doctor," she joked, highlighting a common sentiment.
That first appointment led to further consultations with a neurologist, and by late August, the devastating news arrived: Pat had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. This progressive condition attacks motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to a loss of muscle control and movement. Tragically, there is currently no cure. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, most individuals diagnosed with ALS face respiratory failure within three to five years, with only about one in ten surviving longer than a decade.
Recalling 2014, Pat’s friend Casey Lewis remembered the surge of awareness surrounding the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Along with Pat and other friends, they participated in the viral phenomenon, dumping ice water over themselves to draw attention to the disease. "At that time, nobody really understood what ALS was, but it became a trendy thing to do. Once Pat received his diagnosis, we all realized the harsh reality of the illness—it’s merciless and robs you of everything you hold dear," Lewis shared.
Despite facing this daunting challenge, Pat has not stepped back from his love for coaching football at Wasatch High School. Throughout the season, he has been seen driving a golf cart around the field, providing guidance to players, fixing helmets, and assisting fellow equipment managers.
"Pat always considers what he can do to enhance the boys’ experiences, from managing equipment to celebrating their small victories, including recognizing their achievements on social media," noted head coach Derik Bringhurst.
Lewis reflected on an emotional moment two years prior when an athlete was injured during a game. Pat, towering at 6-foot-4 and weighing 375 pounds, demonstrated his caring nature as he helped the injured student off the field, instantly showcasing his warm-hearted personality. "People nearby were astonished, noting how emotional this big guy was, underscoring the gravity of the situation. But truthfully, Pat was just focused on ensuring the young man felt safe and supported," Lewis explained.
The Dettmans have received tremendous support from a community of friends and local businesses, who rallied together to renovate their home for wheelchair accessibility. This project began in September and was completed just recently. A week before they returned to their newly adapted home, Pat's family received a special delivery—a power wheelchair designed for his needs. With his mobility rapidly declining, Lorraine expressed her concern about the speed at which the disease is progressing.
As they moved back into their remodeled home, Lorraine recounted a heartwarming moment. After helping Pat settle into bed, she discovered an envelope with cash discreetly tucked behind the bathroom sink faucet, left by an anonymous benefactor.
Bringhurst expressed his amazement at the outpouring of support for Pat since his diagnosis, recognizing the profound impact he has had on so many lives through his involvement in the football program.
Recently, Shane Clegg, owner of Mountainland Auto Sales, took a generous step forward to assist the Dettmans. When Lewis approached him about acquiring a wheelchair-accessible van for the family, Clegg proactively ordered a fully-equipped all-wheel drive Toyota Sienna with a hydraulic ramp. "I just wanted to lend a helping hand, even though I don’t know Pat very well personally," Clegg explained.
To help fund the van, Mountainland Auto Sales has initiated a GoFundMe campaign (https://www.gofundme.com/f/als-mobility-van-for-the-dettman-family) to cover its hefty price tag of $82,000. In a display of generosity, the dealership will contribute $5,000 towards this goal and assist in addressing any funding shortfalls.
Reflecting on the kindness they've received, Lorraine admitted, "Sometimes I wonder if we truly deserve all this support. People continue to demonstrate such kindness, and we feel incredibly humbled by their generosity. We’re learning to take life one day at a time, appreciating the little moments. Yes, we shed tears, but we also find reasons to laugh, and that laughter helps us endure."
Interestingly, uncontrollable laughter and crying have emerged as symptoms of Pat's condition. "In the past few months, I’ve hugged people more than ever, expressed my love freely, and cried like never before. This experience has shifted my perspective, emphasizing the importance of family and relationships over material gifts. Receiving visits or simple messages from friends, letting us know they are thinking of us, has become priceless to us."
