Football Mom Par Excellence

Gail Zenimura-Dunn

Kirk's cousin, Gail, was in yesterday's Fresno Bee, "Kicker's Mother Inspires Team." Her son, Blake (a senior and football kicker at Bullard High) and his teammates have dedicated this football season to her. Friday, the Bullard Knights picked up their first CMAC title since 2005 wearing t-shirts under their uniforms printed with"Gail Dunn, the Fighting Knights love you."

Gail's been batting terminal colon cancer for four years and fights unselfishly to be a presence in her children's lives. Blake and Brooke are blessed to have her as their mother. Two weeks ago, I watched her in the hospital, struggling for her life. While unconscious, her body stirred in bed when she heard the voices of her children in the room. Friday, she labored to stand on the field to accept the rose from her son before returning to her wheelchair.

Gail's daily fight inspires everyone around her. Few people even knew she had terminal cancer. In all these years, I have never heard her complain. Her frail, slender body carries the strongest of will and spirit. She never stops. She keeps moving forward.

Her perseverance never waivers.

Gail, you are the most awesome of Football Moms.

To read the Fresno Bee's full story, click here