Jun 25, 2019 | Tim Priamo | 454 views
18th Man
This season, our team is partnering with a local charity called One4Another to welcome an "18th Man" to our team.
The program is simple. Our team has been matched up with a child from Uganda named Adam. Adam is 3 years old and was born with bilateral clubfoot, a condition that is treated at birth in a country like Canada so children have their feet fixed well before they can walk. Adam's family is very poor, and his condition has not been treated. Adam's picture is attached.
The treatment is quite intensive, and will begin around the start of our hockey season with a series of castings to stretch the ligaments, helping to get the feet into a normal position. This is typically followed by surgery to reconstruct the ankle joint, and further bracing to ensure the foot and ankle stay in an anatomically correct position. Through treatment and rehab, Adam will begin walking normally for the first time in his life -- most likely by the end of our hockey season.During the season, our team will receive updates from Adam, including pictures and videos. We will be sending a care package including a Guelph Gryphon jersey to Adam sometime in October.
Our role in the partnership is to raise money that will be put toward Adam's treatment. Our team goal is to raise $1700, or $100 per player. The players are to complete this challenge themselves, working individually, in small groups, or as a team, earning the money through acquiring jobs (cutting grass, bottle drives, going to the local grocery store and helping carry bags to cars, etc.) or donations from community members.