Rugby friends report on player suffering from cancer

FALLBROOK – Friends of Fallbrook Rugby are rallying around a former player who, at 21 years old, is fighting a battle against cancer.

Jeff Turner graduated in 2011. According to rugby coach Mike Majewski, Turner showed up at rugby practice his senior year as a brand new player.

"He had blond hair down to the middle of his back and was sporting a big grin," said Majewski. "His hobbies were music, baking, and now rugby."

Majewski said the rugby team was coming off a big year winning SoCal and going to Nationals, placing fifth. "And here is this big guy affectionately nicknamed 'Viking' wanting to learn how to play rugby," said Majewski.

"He was aware of the talent around him and was not intimidated; but rather more like a sponge soaking up all the training skills we had to offer," he explained. "[Jeff] always showed up 15 minutes early and stayed late to work on his skills. There was always a humble teammate or coach willing to help."

Majewski's admiration grew. "Jeff did not want to be a liability to the team and was happy to do whatever was needed to be an asset," he said. "He worked very hard to be average. But his teammates knew they could count on his mental toughness to get the job done. He was never hurt, cold, upset, or late. He was an asset." Turner went on to be a solid front row replacement.

"He’d get limited minutes in the close matches, and a starting spot in some of the easier ones," said Majewski. "He got to hold up the SoCal Championship Trophy at the end of the season and prepare for State Cup and Nationals."

Majewski explained that the boys had to pay their own way to Utah and everyone was raising money. "Jeff went to the local market and got a discount on cases of apples, sugar, cinnamon, flour, and whatever else went into making a pie," he said. "He was determined to hit that $400 mark to pay for his trip. That’s a lot of pies! But he carried on and hit his target. People in Fallbrook still remember the 'Pie Guy'!"

Last year, Jeff Turner found a small tumor in his leg. "It was Epithelioid Sarcoma, a rare, soft tissue cancer," Majewski said. "He had it removed successfully, and despite having paralysis below the knee on his right leg, everything was good. He was determined to stay in shape so he made his own leg brace. After experimenting with a few designs he was able to put down his crutch and start hiking again."

Unfortunately, Majewski said, the cancer found its way up to [Turner's] right lung and formed some tumors there. "It’s grown so fast and gotten so large that the doctors couldn't operate on it," said Majewski. "So Jeff started chemotherapy to shrink it back to an operable size.

"Chemotherapy isn’t historically known to work well against sarcomas, but it was the only option at this point," he added. "The first round was an intense seven days that turned into 11 using the most aggressive chemo drugs available. The second round was to begin in about a month. But Jeff’s body has had enough. He is now resting at home with his Mom and Grandma by his side."

Majewski recently visited Turner at the family's home, which is now in Murrieta, and said he "was blessed by his few words, labored breathing, and bright smile."

"I shared many rugby pictures with him between his cat naps," he reported. "And he cherished his Fallbrook tee shirt and hat. He said his rugby days were some of the best high school memories he had. And to this old coach, that is way better than any of the victories, trophies, and accolades we have acquired."

Majewski said, "Jeff is looking forward to baking pies again to help out with his hospital expenses. I put in for one, but told him that I was going to come up with something that challenged his baking skills. He smiled then nodded off back to sleep. Only God knows how much longer Viking will be with us. He has touched my heart."

In an effort to provide support and encouragement, Majewski

has asked the rugby family and community members to send cards to him. Turner's mother reads the cards each day to her son. He also encouraged a donation of $5 or $10 be included to help offset expenses.

"Please keep Jeff Turner and his family in your prayers," Majewski said. "He only played rugby for one year but earned his way into the best sporting fraternity in the world. The cards would mean a lot to them, and, as you might expect, Jeff's medical bills present a challenge to his family."

Cards may be addressed to Jeff Turner, 24537 Jacarte Drive, Murrieta, Calif. 92562.