FIND A PATIENT
Kick-a-thon for SCI Patient
02/06/2006
News
Richie Waldrop never dreamed when he was a T-ball coach that his time on the field helping others would be reciprocated in such a meaningful way.
Following his spinal cord injury (SCI), Richie is raising money for an accessible van with a lift, in order to increase his mobility.
Twelve-year-old Chris Smith is a child whom Richie coached in T-ball several years ago. Chris came up with the idea of involving his karate classmates at Family Karate School in a kick-a-thon. In collaboration with his mother Susan, Chris and his classmates solicited community members in Knoxville, Tennessee to sponsor them for 25 cents per kick. Each participant pledged 200 kicks.
The kick-a-thon raised $975, and Chris’s mom pitched in the difference, enabling Richie to raise $1,000 toward his van.
A local TV station picked up the story and ran a segment about the fundraiser.
When the local newscaster asked if Chris wouldn’t rather be out playing with his friends, Chris replied that it was the least he could do to help his former coach.
Richie was moved by the outpouring of support he received, explaining: "It warmed my heart to know that the kids cared enough to work so hard on my behalf.
