Erich Smith, 47, of Oreland was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2022.

On August 3, Smith’s story was covered by The Irish Star, which discusses the father of three’s life, diagnosis, treatments to date, outlook and the excruciating pain he has been dealing with for past several months. According to the article, he underwent an intense, three-month-long course of chemotherapy and radiation to eradicate the growth and has also lost nearly 100 pounds throughout the ordeal.

The article notes that Smith, a Glenside Celtic Soccer Club board member, has received tremendous support from the local soccer community as well as the Glenside Gaelic Club.

“The club was the first to reach out when I got sick and say, ‘Okay, we got you, what do you need?’,” he said. “I got support I never knew I had or needed. My kids love Irish sports but I’ve made close friends through it, too.

“The club carried my youngest, Erin, through the last year. They gave her rides everywhere. She didn’t miss a thing. I don’t think you’d get that from your average little league or soft-club in the States. They all looked out for me,” Smith said.

A GoFundMe titled “Erich Smith’s Bad Ass Fundraiser” has been set up by friends and has raised $16,315 at the time of this writing. To donate, you can click here.

Smith with wife, Amy, daughters, Molly and Erin, and stepdaughter, Taylor

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