Never Walk Alone: Pittsburgh Soccer community and friends rally to support Gene Klein and his family

There are many people who have been a part of the Pittsburgh soccer community during the past 50-60 years, but very few have made the same lasting impact that Gene Klein has made.

In 2021, the former Pittsburgh Riverhounds Head Coach/Technical Director and long time Quaker Valley High School Head Coach was diagnosed with an incurable brain cancer — glioblastoma — in February of 2021.

Gene Klein is a monumental part of Riverhounds and Pittsburgh soccer history.

Gene has been battling brain cancer since 2021, and a fundraiser has been set up to help his family offset the hefty medical expenses they are faced with.

We encourage all who are able to donate… pic.twitter.com/Y9ODr4ioMx

— Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (@RiverhoundsSC) June 24, 2023

In recent months, things have become very difficult for Gene’s wife Anne and family in their battle.

Family friend Nancy Burkhart has started a GoFundMe webpage ( https://gofund.me/9a2357c1 ) to rally support for Gene and his family.

 

 

 

“Geno has become quite weak; he is no longer able to walk and has nearly lost his ability to talk. Anne continues to work full time while taking him back and forth to UPMC for treatments and doing all in-home care on her own,” Burkhurt wrote on the GoFundMe page.

“While insurance has taken care of most of their needs up until this point, it will not cover the equipment (like electric lifts), accessible adaptive clothing, and part-time in-home help that has become necessary at this point. All funds will be distributed directly to Anne and Geno to use at this most difficult time in their lives. Please consider giving to and sharing this fundraiser to help these wonderful people — as Geno and Anne always say, ‘You’ll never walk alone.’”