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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics will be spearheading a fundraising effort to assist with Bobby Roundtree's current and future health care expenses. DIA has created a GoFundMe account, called #97Strong: Fight for Bobby Roundtree, with all donations directed into an irrevocable trust established by Head Football Coach Lovie Smith for Roundtree's care.

Coach Smith, acting in his personal capacity, has created the Bobby T. Roundtree Trust, in which Busey Bank will serve as the trustee.  The trust will provide funds to cover the many expenses for Bobby's care not covered by insurance and other available resources.  His annual expenses are expected to include physical and occupational therapy; specialized diet, transportation, and housing assistance; and ongoing expert medical care. These expenses are anticipated to reach high six-figures each year.

"Bobby is family," Smith said. "We are going to do everything in our power to give Bobby the best chance to succeed, and we'll be with him every step of the way. He has a locker room full of brothers who remember what Bobby did for this football team, but they also know what a special young man he is. Bobby has made an everlasting impact on MaryAnne and on me, and we intend to support him as he confronts these new challenges. We hope others will join us."

In May 2019, Roundtree suffered a severe spinal cord injury in a swimming accident near his home in Largo, Fla. He underwent surgery shortly after the accident in Florida and was later moved to the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab in Chicago, where he has benefited from world-class care for the last several months. Roundtree will soon be moved from Shirley Ryan's in-patient care center into an adjacent out-patient rehabilitation facility. He has begun taking online classes at the U of I and plans to return to the Champaign-Urbana campus in January 2020 as a full-time student.

"Bobby was a leader and a fighter as a player, so it has been no surprise that he has shown those same characteristics in this new arena," Director of Athletics Josh Whitman said. "From day one, Bobby has been pushing himself and making progress at every turn. We are looking forward to his return to campus, where he will have access to some of the nation's best accessible accommodations. I am proud that he intends to continue his education, and our university and athletic program intend to support him so that he will be empowered for a very productive life."

"I want to thank Coach Smith and his wife, MaryAnne, for their tireless and generous support of Bobby," continued Whitman. "Coach Smith's leadership on and off the field is unparalleled, and his care and concern for Bobby has been inspiring. I want to encourage the Illini Family to follow the Smith family's lead, to give generously, and to offer a helping hand to one of our own. With our help, Bobby Roundtree will live a life that will make all Illini proud."

Roundtree started 20 of 24 games during his first two seasons at Illinois (2017, 2018), earning honorable mention All-Big Ten honors in 2018. He was projected as one of the Illini's top players entering his junior season in 2019. 

The DIA will host ongoing fundraising events benefitting Roundtree beyond this campaign, including events this spring involving the Fighting Illini football team. 

WAYS TO GIVE:

• GoFundMe: To make a donation through GoFundMe, search "Bobby Roundtree" or click here. The fundraising goal for this campaign is $97,000. 
• Directly to the Bobby Roundtree Trust: To give directly to the Bobby T. Roundtree Trust, contact Busey Wealth Management at 217-365-4800. Checks made out to the Bobby T. Roundtree Trust can be mailed directly to Busey Wealth Management at P.O. Box 260, Champaign, IL 61824-0260.

The Bobby Roundtree Trust is not a 501(c)(3), therefore all donations are NOT tax-deductible.