Saratoga High School is getting ready to play one of the most important games of the season, and two of their biggest fans are giving them the biggest motivation.
Peter and Phillip Frolish both suffer from a rare genetic disorder called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, but they choose to spend the time they have by being positive.
Peter and Phillip are always smiling and laughing and giving every ounce of their support to the Saratoga football team. They call themselves the Duchenne Duo and head coach Terry Jones called them the team’s biggest fans.
“They’re so upbeat and positive, and you know, you just look at them, and it makes you smile,” he said. “Every game so far, they’ve been on our sideline on the track right behind us cheering us on and leading cheers with the crowd.”
The brothers even go to practice during the week.
It all started with a simple suggestion. When Peter was in the ninth grade, his father, Alex, wanted him to experience high school like he did. But he never expected the team to embrace his kids the way they have.
“As a father, it’s the greatest feeling in the world to see how many of their peers wanting to hang out with them,” Alex said.
The players have taken notice of the guys’ support, so they wanted to give back.
“They’re two great kids,” senior lineman Cory McArthur said. “They’re really unbelievable. They’ve always been here for Saratoga football, and they’re our biggest fans, so I figured we’d give back to them.”
A few weeks ago, McArthur, with the support of his teammates, organized a Galactic Bowling event that doubled as a 16th birthday party for Peter.
“I did not realize how big it was going to be when we got there,” the boy’s mother, Tina, said. “It was packed!”
The team raised money for medical expenses and to help the Frolishes with a home renovation that will help the boys get around easier in their wheelchairs.
“If you look down our kitchen, it’s long and narrow,” Alex explained. “One chair can go in and that’s it. This is the boy’s bedroom. As you can see, not a lot of room. Two wheelchairs would be impossible.”
Now, both the family and team are thankful for each other.
“To see the amount of respect that Cory and his teammates have – they show our boys – is just the greatest thing in the world,” Alex said.
If you would like to donate to the Frolish family, CLICK HERE.
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