clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Mike London, Jimbo Fisher battle on the field, unite for a cure

This is one of those things that is bigger than football.

USA TODAY Sports

Virginia's Mike London and Florida State's Jimbo Fisher share more in common than just being young ACC head coaches who will play on the same field tomorrow.  Each has a child battling a rare blood disease called Fanconi anemia, and they're working together to raise awareness and funds.

This video, released by Florida State Athletics, chronicles their stories and unlikely meeting:

So on Saturday in Tallahassee, the Kidz1stFund, an organization started by Fisher dedicated to the fight against FA, will be featured as it works to fight the disease.

Per a press release from the Kidz1stFund, FSU will wear "'I Fight Fanconi' Kidz1stFund decals on the backs of their helmets in support of nine-year-old Ethan Fisher, 18-year-old Ticynn London and all others living with FA."  There will also be a presentation of a $1 million dollar check before the third quarter.

London's daughter was diagnosed with the disease in 2000, and Fisher's son in 2011.  Coach London reached out to Fisher soon afterwards to partner to fight FA, which affects 1 of 131,000 births and could lead to bone marrow failure and cancers.

The London family's story is amazing. When his daughter was diagnosed, Coach London (obviously) volunteered to have his bone marrow tested.  Despite being given 10,000 to 1 odds, he was a match and saved his daughter's life.  ESPN's College Gameday had a feature earlier this season. If you haven't watched it yet, do so.

To help,

1) Get your bone marrow tested and put on the national registry.  (UVA held a drive earlier this season.)

2) Go to www.kidz1stfund.com/ to learn more and/or donate.