WINKLEMAN, AZ(AZFamily) — For years, Hayden High School volunteer football coach Armand Cruz showed up for his team despite battling chronic lung disease and relying on oxygen tanks. The same day his team went to the state championship, he learned he was eligible for a life-saving double lung transplant.
Cruz, who has coached at Hayden High School for more than a decade, was diagnosed with chronic lung disease in 2019.
Through the pain, exhaustion and constant hum of oxygen tanks at his side, as his health declined, his commitment to his players never did.
Cruz was always there at games and practices despite his struggles.
“Once I start something, I finish it. It’s just to show the kids I’m still here. No matter my difficulties, no matter how much I’m struggling, I’m still here for you guys.”
After years of showing up for his team, on the most important day of his life, his team showed up for him.
On Nov.16th, the same day as his team won the state championship, Cruz received a call that he was eligible for a double lung transplant.
“Their excitement was very crazy to me because I didn’t think they would be so excited. It was like they won the championship again and again,” Cruz said.
For the first time in years, Cruz is finally breathing on his own. While the road to recovery may take a while, Cruz is still representing his team every day.
“They’re brothers for life. Whether they are part of the winning season or the losing season, they’re all brothers for life.”
For now, Cruz is staying in Gilbert for regular checkups before returning home to resume coaching. His family has started a GoFundMe to help with Cruz’s recovery.
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