Coach Royal Attends Alzeheimer's Fund Hearing
By: Big 2 News Staff
Updated: February 29, 2012
Proudly waving Hook'em Horns, and a smile on his face, a legendary college football coach is lending his name to a new
Alzheimer's fund.
It's those around legendary Longhorn football coach Darrell Royal, who perhaps truly understand his suffering. He was diagnosed several years ago with the dementia.
Now his wife and caretaker is using their public position to help others battling Alzheimer's. Edith Royal testified at the state capitol, telling a Senate subcommittee about plans to start the Darrel K. Royal Alzheimer's Research Fund.
Edith Royal saying, "They have spousal support groups there. It effects both men and women. We have lots of things we're lucky enough to live in a place that has all of that. But that's not available to most people. That's what I'd like to really bring the attention to."
And its a fight they're not doing alone, Matthew McConaughey and Lance Armstrong sat on either side of the coach and his wife, lending their support and celebrity status.
"There are heroes in this world for doing certain things, and in my eyes, Edith, for dealing with the situation with such strength and courage is really heroic," said Lance Armstrong.
State Senator Jane Nelson said she feels the two celebrities will add credibility and recognition to the foundation. Adding that Coach Royal sets the gold standard, hoping the fund will advance research but also help those around the diagnosed. Royal says her husband's happiness comes from the support of friends and family.
"But I know those moments with his former players and lifelong friends are pure enjoyment for him."
The coach who took his Longhorns to three National Championships remained mostly silent, speaking briefly to share his support.
While the Royal family will continue to fight every day their work may someday mean that others won't have to.
The new fund is intended to support Alzheimer's research in Texas and recognize the importance of supporting those who are diagnosed with the disease.
It's those around legendary Longhorn football coach Darrell Royal, who perhaps truly understand his suffering. He was diagnosed several years ago with the dementia.
Now his wife and caretaker is using their public position to help others battling Alzheimer's. Edith Royal testified at the state capitol, telling a Senate subcommittee about plans to start the Darrel K. Royal Alzheimer's Research Fund.
Edith Royal saying, "They have spousal support groups there. It effects both men and women. We have lots of things we're lucky enough to live in a place that has all of that. But that's not available to most people. That's what I'd like to really bring the attention to."
And its a fight they're not doing alone, Matthew McConaughey and Lance Armstrong sat on either side of the coach and his wife, lending their support and celebrity status.
"There are heroes in this world for doing certain things, and in my eyes, Edith, for dealing with the situation with such strength and courage is really heroic," said Lance Armstrong.
State Senator Jane Nelson said she feels the two celebrities will add credibility and recognition to the foundation. Adding that Coach Royal sets the gold standard, hoping the fund will advance research but also help those around the diagnosed. Royal says her husband's happiness comes from the support of friends and family.
"But I know those moments with his former players and lifelong friends are pure enjoyment for him."
The coach who took his Longhorns to three National Championships remained mostly silent, speaking briefly to share his support.
While the Royal family will continue to fight every day their work may someday mean that others won't have to.
The new fund is intended to support Alzheimer's research in Texas and recognize the importance of supporting those who are diagnosed with the disease.
