ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Regina Dekoevend has spent most of her 61 years in bed because of cerebral palsy. She's spent almost as much of her life a devoted Broncos fan, and on Aug. 21, she will get the fan experience of a lifetime that includes a trip to watch the Broncos' Sept. 14 game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Broncos legend and Ring of Fame member Randy Gradishar combined efforts with the American Medical Response (AMR) and the Phil Long Family of Dealerships to bring the long-time Broncos fan a memorable experience.
Gradishar, the leader of the Broncos' "Orange Crush" defense from 1974-83, will spend the afternoon with Dekoevend at her house, and present her with the VIP gift that includes an autographed Gradishar Broncos jersey for her to wear to the Chiefs game.
The idea spawned from an AMR employee's initial attempt to get an autographed Broncos jersey for Dekoevend. Ensuing talks with Gradishar developed into conversations that helped formulate the gift.
Dekoevend's trip to Sports Authority Field at Mile High will be facilitated by AMR, which arranged and donated the transportation and medical care for her to attend the game.
The Week 2 contest also falls on Alumni Weekend, which is capped by the halftime induction of Gene Mingo, Rick Upchurch and Dan Reeves into the Ring of Fame. Few will appreciate their induction more than Dekoevend, a loyal fan whose support spans the decades.
