Stamford Community Rallies Around Longtime Coach Diagnosed With Cancer

STAMFORD, CT — The Stamford High School community is rallying to help longtime basketball coach Curtis "Curt" Tinnin, who is currently undergoing treatment for Leukemia.

SHS Athletic Director Chris Passamano created a GoFundMe for Tinnin to help with Tinnin's rising medical bills. Since the fundraiser was created on Oct. 10, more than $28,000 has been raised to date.

"He cares deeply for people and makes Stamford High School, the City of Stamford, his family and his community a better place," Passamano said in the fundraiser's description. "Curt is one of those people who knows everyone. Everyone loves Curt and has a story about how he was there for them in a time of need. He’s an angel walking among us."

According to his LinkedIn profile, Tinnin has been employed at SHS as a basketball coach/security employee since 1987. He attended SHS in the 1970's.

"Curt has been a coach for most of his life and any of his former players can tell you how much Curt has taught them about life through sports. His faith is strong and his wisdom is unmatched," Passmanno said in the fundraiser's description.

Passamano highlighted a favorite lesson of Tinnin's that he likes to teach his student-athletes. He amplifies the importance of each day with an analogy on how many cups of water a senior has left in their career.

"He teaches the value of teamwork and the power of coming together through his comparison to an open hand and a fist," Passamano added. "The lessons are endless and the messages are timeless and have changed the lives of so many."

Tinnin spent a month in the hospital when he was first diagnosed with Leukemia this past summer. He continues to attend regular appointments to run tests for blood transfusions and various shots and medications, Passamano explained.

"Curt’s faith has remained strong through this battle and people have come together to show him the power of teamwork," Passamano said. "Curt is a father, a brother and mentor and a friend in some fashion to all who know him. Let’s continue to show him how strong this community is and how much Curt has impacted all of us."

To view the GoFundMe fundraiser set up for Tinnin, click here.

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