Letter From The Director of Gridiron Heroes
Dear Friends,
In 2006, Gridiron Heroes unfortunately had to add four more young athletes to our family. A total of 12 players have been injured since creating Gridiron Heroes in 2003 and two prior to starting the organization.
Gridiron Heroes started with the idea of being able to provide comfort, a soft shoulder to lean on, information, inspiration and most of all HOPE. Much more is needed to be able to help our injured athletes and their family when a football player suffers this life changing injury. We must get to the point where we can react to help a family that will need a wheelchair accessible van, add a wheelchair accessible restroom, ramps, even a new home, or help secure medical durable goods and supplies.
Unfortunately financially we cannot respond to do more for these families when the need arises without your help. Financial, short-term help is available to those who play in a high profile game. That is not the case for those injured in a JV, freshman or Jr. High or rural area game. Sadly we are playing catch-up in trying to help our injured athletes.
Prior to the 2006 football season Gridiron Heroes, with the help of a grant presented two new wheelchair accessible vehicles. What a difference this can make on the quality of life for these young men. This is our third vehicle we have donated. Recipients in 2006 were La Jaun Moore of Sharpstown High School injured in 1999 and Zigwon Carter of Worthing High School injured in 2003. These two young athletes would have been long forgotten if not for Gridiron Heroes. The last two years Gridiron Heroes has purchased $100.00 gift cards every month to send to each of our injured athletes to utilize, as they need.
Our message has been simple. We are not out to deter anyone from playing football. We still love the game. However, we must understand a spinal cord injury can occur. Knowing this we must do something to help those who suffer this life altering injury. Support must endure even past high school. This is a long-term injury with long-term health problems and long-term cost. As big as football is across the nation we should have something in place to help our catastrophically injured high school athlete.
Unfortunately and inevitably, each year, there are young men who suffer a catastrophic spinal cord injury playing this great sport we all love. The injury causes paralysis and a total life change for the injured athlete and his family. Meaning these young athletes and his family will pay a tremendous cost physically, emotionally, and financially.
This coming 2007 season get involved. Pledge forms for the Texas College Coaches Football Challenge will be on our website to download. Contact your booster club President, let them know about Van Quest or come and participate in a golf tournament. Help us make a difference in the quality of life for these young athletes.
Every good action and every perfect gift is from God.
James 1:17
Eddie Canales
Founder / Director
Gridiron Heroes Spinal Cord Injury Foundation
210-849-9250
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