Glenbard West coach, others raising funds to fight Ebola

For some Glenbard West High School football program members, the Ebola outbreak in West Africa is not just a news headline — it hits close to home.

Alby Zander, head freshman team coach, is the adoptive father of two Liberian boys, and keeps in contact with some Liberian friends. Meanwhile, two brothers on Glenbard West's football teams have family back in Sierra Leone.

Those bonds helped launch an online fundraiser to pay for assistance and supplies to West African countries that have fallen victim to Ebola.

Donations can be made through organizations such as Direct Relief and Samaritan's Purse. Zander said any funds given directly to him will be donated to Direct Relief, which provides medicine and protective gear to health workers in West Africa.

He has asked for those donating online to email him so that he can tally the results.

Mohamed Gborie, a running back on the varsity football team, is originally from Sierra Leone and still has family there.

“My mom talks to my grandmother every day, and I talk to my uncle who's there right now,” Gborie said. “It's not like how it was before, where they can walk out the door and go to their neighbor's house ... everyone's afraid that they'll get it.”

Zander said the Ebola outbreak has caused further distress in Liberia, which had already endured civil war.

“So when I read articles and hear from people we know over there and they're saying that any of the progress is now gone because of how Ebola has just basically hijacked the health care system, closed schools, not allowed people to come in and out of the main marketplaces to access food,” he said.

Zander said donations have reached more than $5,000, but he does not have a fundraising goal.

“I just know every amount helps,” he said, “and we live in a community that is capable of helping if we come together and people are aware of it.”