Community helps out as beloved coach battles Parkinson's Disease

PHOENIX (FOX 10) -- Family and friends are coming together to make a difference for a beloved coach in their community, after he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease.

People say Tommy Alvey, known by his students and parents as "Tommy Dee", has done so much for them, and now, they want to do something for him.

When Alvey wasn't working at his auto shop, he spent most of his time coaching basketball at the Paradise Valley Community Center, where his absence has been sorely missed.

"Tommy takes coaching to a different level," said Regan Schwartz. "It's not all about winning, although I will say his teams won most of the time."

"I was heartbroken because he was the first coach that I played with, so it's kind of hard that he's in this risk that, it's kind of hard," said student Colby Schwartz.

Alvey was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, and he is now under 24-hour care. Alvey's players couldn't hold back their emotions as they talked about how much Alvey will be missed.

"He was amazing, and it's very sad," said student Couper Schwartz.

As for why Alvey has made such a big impact, his players and their parents say he did more than just coach his players. He was their friend and mentor. Due to Alvey's medical issues, his friends say he is unable to coach and keep up with his medical bills. He is even at risk of losing his auto-shop in Phoenix, Good Guys Automotive.

"As the name of this business, Good Guys, really indicates, he is a really good guy," said Edwin Sarratt. "I hope this attention on Tommy can really help his business get back on its feet."

GoFundMe for Tommy Alvey
https://www.gofundme.com/tommy-dee-fundraiser