Yankton Coach Fights New Opponent: Cancer

YANKTON, S.D. (AP) - Residents in Yankton are rallying around a Mount Mary College softball coach as he battles cancer.

Albert Fernandez is used to finding ways to defeat his opponents, but the Stage 4 lung cancer doctors discovered during a brain surgery is proving to be the greatest foe of his life.

The 39-year-old says he plans to confront his cancer with the same ferocity he shows coaching from the sidelines.

He tells the Yankton Press & Dakotan that he's focusing on tackling the disease with "attitude and effort."

Fernandez is receiving radiation treatment in Austin, Texas, and plans to return home for chemotherapy.

Fundraisers so far have helped raise more than $1,500 for his family and medical bills.

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