TCBY proceeds from July 9 going to Robert Paul's family

Robert Paul is a wrestler. He's spent a lifetime facing challenges, battling adversaries, never once backing down. That was his approach while competing for Sandy High School, and what he preaches as the Pioneers' wrestling coach.

And today, it's how he confronts his newest opponent.

In April, Paul was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma, a type of skin cancer.

Now Paul's family is encouraging people to visit TCBY from 5 to 10 p.m. Monday, July 9. Twenty percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Paul family in an effort to help cover some of the accruing medical expenses.

There also will be other ways to help.

Raffle tickets will be sold for "wrestlers for hire." Winners will receive a Sandy wrestler whom they can put to work around their house for four hours and tackle those nagging chores.

Wristbands also will be sold.

This isn't the only way to lend a helping hand to the Paul family.

An account has been set up in Robert Paul's name at Clackamas County Bank. People can make a donation at any one of the three locations in Sandy, Gresham and Boring.

The Paul family has been overwhelmed by the support they've received in the short time they've reached out to the community.

Last month they held a car wash fundraiser at Les Schwab. It was an idea hatched at the last minute. They had three days to plan the event and spread the news, hoping fliers and word-of-mouth would bring enough people out to make it successful.

It certainly was.

They raised more than $3,000.

"The list of people to thank is just too long to be specific," said Jenny Van Norden, Paul's sister. "It's meant a lot."

Time after time, Sandy has generously lent its support to the coach who's made a career out of helping others.

Shortly after Robert's diagnosis, he began using a walker to get around. His house, though, wasn't suitably accessible.

That's when the wrestling community, local businesses, friends and family rushed to assist, making donations and alterations to help Paul move around his home.

There have been daily shows of support, such as people delivering meals. It's the kind of generosity that reminds the Paul family the community is behind them in this fight.

"It's really been a bright light," Van Norden said.

Recently, Paul had a victory. Tests revealed that he possesses BRAF, a type of gene mutation found in the tumor. This meant he could begin taking a recently approved medication called ZELBORAF, which is used to treat the melanoma that cannot be removed by surgery.

"It was good news to hear that," Van Norden said.

Robert has been on the medication for just over a week and has already been showing signs of improvement.

"In this last week, I've seen him getting better and better," Van Norden said.

Robert continues to be a familiar face in the community. He attends his daughter's soccer games and his nephew's baseball games, and he also watched the Pioneers' senior softball game this season.

The attitude he always brought to the mat continues to shine today. He's positive, confident and determined.

The months since Paul's diagnosis have had their ups and downs. But each day, those around him are reminded of one thing.

Robert Paul is a fighter.