The Chapin High boys’ basketball team’s motto is “Charge On”.

Head coach Mark Snelgrove has been instrumental in building a more competitive program.

Since Snelgrove’s diagnosis with cancer, he and his team have met this challenge with that motto in mind.

“My #1 weapon is prayer,” he said. “I am humbled by the support and amazed by all the people that want to help me. I am not afraid of dying, but I am not going without a fight.”

The Chapin community is helping him in that fight and has started a Gofundme account.

The cancer diagnosis has a low chance of survival with traditional treatment and is looking into a particular program in Mexico City, which has a higher success rate. The money raised will help with the cost of treatment, hotel, food, and loss of salary, which is expected to exceed $50,000. As of this past Friday, $12,215 has been raised at https://www.gofundme. com/f/charge-on-for-snelgrove/ donate .

“The basketball players of Chapin are asking everyone to help their coach,” team mom Paula Cobb said. “Coach Snelgrove has done a tremendous amount for our program. He was such a huge supporter for my son during the death of our daughter and helped him channel his frustrations into improving his game.

“He has done more than coached him, but has truly been a counselor.”

“When I heard the news, I was devastated,” student Maddux Harrell said. “I wanted to do something to help him, and I hope the community comes together with our team to help us beat this.”

“We will respond to adversity, and this has already brought us closer together as a team and given us deeper purpose,” Chapin basketball player Jordan Thomas said.

“I ask you all to continue to pray for Melinda and me and know we feel your love and support,” Snelgrove said.

See a video interview right at www.lexingtonchronicle.com .