With Spurs Nation still mourning the loss of Gregg Popovich's wife, Erin, her family wants to pay it forward.
Her memorial will be held next month and they're making a request similar to that of James Avery's family, by promoting two two charitable organizations that help families dealing with serious health issues.
The cause of Erin Popovich's death hasn't been announced, but her memory is dedicated to those suffering from cancer.
"Cancer is not only physically devastating and emotionally devastating, for many families, it can also be financially catastrophic,” said Thrivewell Cancer Foundation Executive Director Erin Ercoline.
Helping ease the financial burden of those fighting the disease is a mission the Popovich family aims to help with. Popovich died April 18th at the age of 67. A private service for her will be May 18th at the Cadet Catholic Chapel at the Air Force Academy in Colorado. She and Coach Pop met at the Air Force Academy and were married for more than 40 years.
San Antonio-based Thrivewell Cancer Foundation and Chicago-based CHEST Foundation are where the family is asking mourners to donate.
"I think it speaks volumes about them as a family that they continue to make a difference at a really devastating time,” Ercoline said.
For Thrivewell, they hope to help families struggling to juggle finances and medical treatment. "Thrivewell aims to be that safety net. To get people to and from treatment, get access to the best care, and to make sure they're not having to choose between keeping the lights on and lifesaving care,” explained Ercoline.
Every dollar that comes in stays here in San Antonio, helping families in need.
"We aim to help as many people as we can here in San Antonio,” said Ercoline.
CHEST Foundation Executive Director Sue Reimbold says they are honored to be considered by the Popovich family during these times.
“Contributions in memory of Erin Popovich will enable the CHEST Foundation to increase patient and caregiver support, create new patient education materials, fund clinical research to advance treatments for lung disease, and engage more clinicians as champions for lung health,” Reimbold said in a statement to Eyewitness News.
You can donate by going to www.chestfoundation.org and clicking on "Donate Now".
You can donate to the Thrivewell Cancer Foundation at http://thrivewell.org/