Imagine receiving a life-altering diagnosis that challenges not just your physical abilities but your very essence—and then choosing to face it head-on, surrounded by a community that refuses to let you walk that path alone. This is the story of Pat Dettman, a football coach at Wasatch High School, whose battle with ALS has become a testament to resilience, teamwork, and the power of human connection. But here’s where it gets truly inspiring: despite the relentless progression of this devastating disease, Pat hasn’t just continued coaching—he’s found ways to make an even greater impact on his players and community.
It all began in January during a football camp in Las Vegas, where Pat, alongside his son Brock, experienced the first subtle signs of what would later be diagnosed as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ‘I stood up to grab a ball, and my right knee gave way,’ Pat recalled. ‘My family laughed it off, thinking it was just me being clumsy.’ Little did they know, this was the beginning of a journey that would test their strength in unimaginable ways. Over the next few months, similar incidents occurred, but it wasn’t until April that Pat decided to see a doctor—a rare move, as his wife Lorraine playfully noted, ‘Men seem to avoid doctors like the plague.’
That decision led to a neurologist’s diagnosis in late August: ALS, a neurodegenerative disease that attacks motor neurons, robbing individuals of their ability to move, speak, and eventually breathe. And this is the part most people miss: while ALS is often associated with physical decline, it also brings emotional symptoms, like uncontrollable laughter or tears, which Pat now experiences daily. ‘I’ve hugged more, said ‘I love you’ more, and cried more in the last few months than in my entire life,’ he shared. ‘It’s shifted my focus to what truly matters—family, relationships, and moments over material things.’
Yet, Pat’s spirit remains unbroken. He’s spent the football season navigating the field in a golf cart, mentoring players, fixing equipment, and celebrating their victories, both on and off the field. ‘He’s always thinking of ways to uplift these boys,’ said head coach Derik Bringhurst. ‘Whether it’s highlighting their achievements on social media or ensuring their gear is in top shape, Pat’s dedication is unmatched.’
But here’s where it gets controversial: while ALS is widely recognized as a cruel disease, the outpouring of support Pat has received raises questions about societal priorities. Why does it take a tragedy to unite a community? Shouldn’t this level of compassion be the norm, not the exception? These are the questions Pat’s story quietly invites us to ponder.
Friends, local businesses, and even strangers have rallied around the Dettman family, transforming their home into a wheelchair-accessible haven and raising funds for a specialized van. Shane Clegg, owner of Mountainland Auto Sales, exemplifies this generosity. After learning of the family’s need, he ordered a $82,000 wheelchair-accessible Toyota Sienna, complete with a hydraulic ramp, and launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover the cost. ‘I don’t know Pat well, but I knew I had to help,’ Clegg said. His company is contributing $5,000 and pledging to cover any funding gaps.
Lorraine reflects on the overwhelming kindness with humility: ‘Sometimes I wonder, do we deserve all this? People’s generosity has left us speechless. We’re taking it one day at a time, finding joy in the little things, even as we grieve. Laughter, especially, has been our lifeline.’
Pat’s story isn’t just about battling ALS—it’s about the strength found in community, the beauty of human connection, and the choice to embrace life, even in the face of uncertainty. So, here’s the question: What would it take for us to show this level of compassion and unity without waiting for a crisis? Let’s not just admire Pat’s resilience—let’s be inspired to act with kindness, today.
