For those of us who know Greg, he really doesn’t need any introduction. He’s made an impact on so many of us that I’m certain we could fill books with stories of times where he’s left us inspired to grow beyond where we were when we came to him seeking guidance.
For those that don’t know Greg, I want to share a bit more about him. Greg has been a Deputy Sheriff for the last 20+ years. Throughout his career he’s shown a commitment to the service and protection of others in his community.
His interests aside from law enforcement included a number of interests such as:
- Being a competitive bodybuilder
- An MMA fighter, as well as a trainer to fellow fighters
- Practicing the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu earning his black belt through his dedication to the sport and his training
- Showing support to our Military by traveling for various AFE (Armed Forces Entertainment) events sharing his knowledge of MMA and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to help entertain service men and women overseas. Although Greg’s intent during these events was to share his knowledge, he will humbly tell you he learned a great deal from these men and women and the experiences they shared with him as well.
- A commitment to health and fitness by running countless conditioning classes in support of individuals seeking a healthier lifestyle, but not the typical gym experience. His strength and conditioning classes provided an opportunity to work not just as an individual, but as a team allowing members to push themselves to their limits.
- Working with many families in an effort to provide their kids opportunities to participate in positive activities focused on individual growth while teaching them the importance of discipline, integrity and working with others - skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. A belief that to be a good citizen, you need to give back as demonstrated by his participation in local charity events like the Relay for Life - a 24 hour relay race to raise awareness and money for the American Cancer Society.
As mentioned above, Greg has led an incredibly active and selfless lifestyle. He’ll be the first to tell you that asking for help is not in his nature - he’s a giver. With that said, it’s important to understand why we’re making a call to action to give back to a man who’s given selflessly to so many - possibly even you.
So, why now? Below is a timeline of the health issues Greg has been through recently.
- Dec 2019 - Underwent a 3 level cervical fusion surgery for his neck
- Feb 2020 - underwent a hip surgery to repair a torn labrum he was out of work for recovery from December 2019-May 2020
- May 202- Dec 2020 - Greg was able to return to work
- Dec 2020-Mar 2021 - Pain and complications from the neck surgery took Greg out of work
- Mar 2021-June 2021 - Was restricted to 24 hrs/week in a limited role
- June 2021-July 2022 - off work due to the limited capacity role no longer being available to him and his pain had gotten worse so he was taken out of work
- July 2022-December 2022 - was allowed to work 2 days/week, but pain took over and he’s been out of work since December 2022
- Feb 2023 - ER visit they did an MRI and discovered significant arthritis and stenosis in his neck and severe stenosis and arthritis in his lower back
- This diagnosis has lead to Greg being seen by 3 different neurosurgeons (of those appts the first one being in April 2023)
- Additionally because of this diagnosis Greg will need at least 2 or more spinal surgeries and a lot of physical therapy to help him manage pain.
- May 2023 - Greg had a lumbar fusion surgery called foraminotomy
- He began his long recovery with physical therapy
- Mid Sept 2023 - Greg was experiencing uncontrolled spasms that required a visit to the ER
- Underwent several medication adjustments to try and help alleviate his pain and the spasms.
- Oct 1-3, 2023 - Greg was admitted to the hospital after losing the use of his legs
- He’ll be working with a Neurologic physical therapist in an attempt to help him regain the ability to walk unassisted
As a result, Greg has been unable to work and he and Wendy have been a single income family since December 2022. We are all too familiar with the ever rising cost of living and with the complexities of Greg’s diagnoses comes the requirement for various specialists to help him regain his physical independence. This has resulted in a hardship for Greg and Wendy as the expenses are mounting and starting to take their toll. They are struggling to pay not only their own medical coverage, but the out of pocket expenses associated with his care and treatment.
Greg has an ongoing case to be placed on disability until his pers kick in His initial application for disability was denied and now he’s in an appeals process. This can take upwards of 18-24 months before anything is decided. He is currently awaiting a review of his case file to get disability approved. The support we are able to provide him through this site will help him and Wendy cover their costs until disability can kick in and bridge the time until pers kick off in a few years.
Below are some of the testimonials people have given to demonstrate why Greg means so much to them and is so deserving of this help and support.
“When I met Coach Greg I was searching for more direction and meaning in my life. I was lacking confidence and I was physically unfit. Greg took me in with open arms and no judgment and I immediately found a mentor that I could trust to hold me accountable and also help me care for my well-being. Greg is a fine human being and I’m proud to call him a friend. I know there are dozens of other people out there that have been helped by Greg but for me, I can honestly say he has been one of the more influential people in my adult life.”
- Alex S.
“Greg is the guy to give you the shirt off his back if you need it. He has dedicated and even risked his life to serve others. No one deserves help through a tough time more than he does and of course he’s the last person who’d ever ask for it.”
- Jared
“Greg Thompson is a wonderful caring human. He is full of love. Tough love. But love. He helped shape me into the man I am today. He helped shape my life for roughly 12 years or so. I am beyond grateful for him.”
- Alex L.
“My family has known Greg for almost 20 years. He is like a brother to myself and Uncle to my kids. He is a kind, loving person with a heart of gold. who will do anything he can to help others. If it was not for Greg, I'm not sure if I would be walking as good as I am today. I can't thank him enough for all he's done for my family.”
- Sandy
“Greg Thompson has been a coach and friend to me for the better part of 18 years and he literally has saved my life. His inspiration and motivation has made my life richer by keeping my health, body and attitude at my upper limits and that has been the fabric of my family life, my friend network and my business relationships. My life is incredibly better having known him and now I look forward to the opportunity to be there for him.”
- Michael
“Greg is an exceptional jiu jitsu coach and has been a lifelong friend to my family for several reasons. He possessed a wealth of knowledge and experience in martial arts, and his coaching skills were top-notch. He not only taught the techniques but also instilled discipline and motivation in his students. Greg genuinely cared about my family's progress and well-being. He provided constant support, encouragement, and guidance, both on and off the mat. Greg's dedication and commitment were unparalleled. He consistently went above and beyond to ensure that my family members reached their full potential in martial arts. Greg's friendship extended beyond the training sessions. He was always there to lend a helping hand, offer advice, and celebrate victories together. Greg's loyalty and trustworthiness made him a true lifelong friend. He stood by my family through thick and thin, creating a bond that goes beyond the martial arts realm.”
- Auzsha
“When I hear the name I say coach or professor. I think of a man of so much importance to who I am today as a man and father and who my children are as young adults. A man who has taught me more than I can ever repay. A man full of respect. And a man who makes you face the truth of who you really are for your own good. All in a way that seems intimidating at first but you soon realize it's all from his heart. This man has helped more people than most could even think of helping. And he does it because that's just who he is.”
- William S.
“Greg has always been a huge role model for me. Coach, friend, mentor, he’s had many hats in my case. Always the happy guy in the room but ready to straighten me out when my young attitude came out. He’s always helping others but this time, it’s his turn to receive a well earned hand.”
- Zach R.
“Coach Greg. Where to begin? Greg always believed I could do what I thought I couldn't and he never gave up on me even when I tried to give up on myself. He helped me become such a strong person, physically and mentally and that's a gift I can never repay. Thank you, coach, for an amazing time in my life; a time I constantly think back on and love to remember hard workouts, lots of internal (mostly) swearing, and always a sense of accomplishment. I'm stronger because of you. You've impacted more lives than you will ever know. Thank you.”
- Stevi F.
“I’ve known Greg for nearly 16 years. You would be hard pressed to find someone more selfless and generous as he. I’ve seen Greg coach and train UFC athletes at the highest level, and then give the very same attention and care to someone brand new to martial arts. He’s unrivaled.”
- Kurt S.
For those of us whose lives he’s touched, we are asking for your help in giving back to someone we all respect and admire in an effort to ease his journey back to health. Any amount you are able to donate using the link below will be greatly appreciated. Please join me in helping someone who has helped so many.
Hello everyone,
