For Rolf Benirschke, the ex-Chargers kicker, a brush with death turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened to him.

Benirschke's story is one most Charger fans are familiar with. He almost died from ulcerative colitis in 1979, when his weight dipped to 129 pounds.

Who can forget the time a weakened Benirschke strolled to the middle of the field at then-San Diego Stadium with Louie Kelcher and Russ Washington as an honorary co-captain? It was one of the most emotional moments in team history.

"When I reflect back to when I was with the Chargers, I figured football is gone and what will I do? Now I realize what happened to me was the greatest blessing in my life," Benirschke said.

Benirschke has made a difference in many people's lives with the founding of the Great Comebacks Awards Program, which tells the success stories of people with Crohn's disease, colitis, colon cancer or who have had an ostomy surgery (see his Web site at www.greatcomebacks.com).

His work has taken him inside the White House.

His political connection started in 1986, when he received a call from then-Vice President George H.W. Bush. Bush's youngest son, Marvin, had recently undergone surgery for ulcerative colitis. George and Barbara Bush asked Benirschke to come to Washington and talk to their 27-year-old son.

Benirschke made a positive impression.

"I told Marvin you'll be able to do everything you (did) before the surgery," Benirschke said.

Now Marvin is involved in the Great Comebacks project.

"We want people to realize they don't have to compromise their lifestyle," Benirschke said.

Benirschke has read some powerful success stories from people who have overcome the emotional and physical trauma associated with these types of surgeries. Each year his Great Comebacks Foundation goes through hundreds of stories and awards five regional winners and one national winner.

One such winner is Carlsbad's Eric Hayes, who had Crohn's disease back in 1987.

"Rolf visited me at my bedside and when he told me his story, a light went on," Hayes said.

Hayes, 47, went on to become a sheriff's officer who now works as a reserve commander for the Carlsbad Police Department.

And as Benirschke promised, Hayes' lifestyle has not changed. Hayes, an avid tennis player, recently competed in the World Police and Fire Games in Australia. He won five of six matches in the Masters 40-50 division and finished fourth.

With the help of Marvin Bush, a group of Great Comeback winners received a personal tour of the White House on Feb. 27. It was during the tour that President George W. Bush sought them out.

"We were in a corridor waiting for a guide, and I was looking at a painting of George Washington," Hayes said. "I felt someone behind me and turned around and it was the President. He said, 'I'm looking for friends of my brother and Eric Hayes.' I really didn't know we were going to see him, and for him to call me by name really made me feel good."

Added Benirschke: "He had just gotten off his exercise bike and sought us out. For the next 30 minutes he talked to us just like I am talking to you now. We talked about all kinds of things, and he posed for pictures. He is very comfortable with himself. Politics aside, it was remarkable. He was so genuine and so approachable."

Hayes told Bush that his son-in-law, Tim Kunkel, is a Marine stationed at Camp Pendleton.

"He put his hand on my shoulder and said, 'Would you personally thank him for his service?' " Hayes said.

Hayes has this memory because of Benirschke's influence.

"It was humbling for me because (Bush) said he would never forget what we did for his brother," Benirschke said.

And what is ahead for Benirschke and his Great Comebacks Foundation?

"We are expanding globally, we are in Italy and Great Britain, and we just want to get the word out that people who have this surgery are not alone," he said

Then he paused and said, "Hopefully, we will make a difference."

You already have, Rolf.

Steve Scholfield is senior sports columnist for the North County Times. He can be reached at (760) 740-3509 or stevescho@cox.net.