BYU fans donate to K-State QB’s cancer drive – Deseret News

BYU football fans showed up for an opposing team’s quarterback in a big way this week.

And the recipient of the Cougar fans’ – and the quarterback’s – generosity says thank you.

“Thank you for walking the path of truly loving each other and making the world a better place. You made my world a better place,” Chris Botts, the head coach of Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson, told BYU fans on social media.

Johnson launched an online campaign last week to raise funds for Botts, who is undergoing cancer treatment. Johnson asked fans to make a donation for every touchdown he scores this season, starting with last Saturday’s game against the BYU Cougars.

Although Johnson didn’t score any touchdowns at LaVell Edwards Stadium, fans in Provo were quick to show their support for the K-State quarterback and donate thousands of dollars to the cause.

Botts, the principal of Maize High School in Maize, Kansas, was diagnosed with stage 4 large cell neuroendocrine thymus cancer. He has to travel to Houston every week to take part in a clinical trial.

With the help of donations from BYU fans, the fundraiser more than doubled its original fundraising goal of $20,000.

As of Wednesday, over $50,000 had been raised to cover Botts’ medical and travel expenses. Due to the surprising amount of generous donations, the goal has now been increased to $80,000 as Johnson continues his campaign to raise money for Botts throughout the season.

“It just shows there are a lot of great people in this world,” Johnson told The Wichita Eagle, “and it’s bigger than football.”

According to Champsraise – the company hosting Johnson’s campaign – over 950 BYU fans had donated $40,000.

BYU fans left encouraging notes with their donations, with many donating $38.09 to reflect the score (38-9), the Deseret News previously reported.

“Cougar Nation applauds a speedy recovery for Dr. Botts and is grateful to be in the Big 12 with K-State,” a note said.

“Cougars care,” reads another post. “Many prayers to Dr. Botts from the Rocky Mountains of Utah. What a great occasion for all of us to come together in such a great endeavor. Great job, Avery Johnson.”

Another BYU fan said he’s now an Avery Johnson fan too, calling him “a first-rate accomplishment.”

“I hope you make it to our next game with K-State, where the football result counts for a few days, but the result of your influence still counts for a lifetime,” the fan wrote.

In a video posted to Facebook, Botts expressed his gratitude to BYU fans, saying they introduced him to “a whole new kind of love.”

Botts, a K-State fan through and through, said his new second-favorite university is now BYU.

“Your fans, holy smoke,” he continued. “You are so generous. They define what it means to love unconditionally, truly for someone you don’t even know.

“…Thank you for your generosity. Thank you for walking the path of truly loving each other and making the world a better place. You made my world a better place.”