Three months ago a young man in one of our neighboring communities was severely injured in a football game. The local community, including several towns in the county, responded with the prayers and financial generosity the American spirit is known for quickly raising over a $100,000 to support his medical care and family expenses.
This past week another local athlete, a freshman soccer player, appeared on GoFundMe. Jose is a young man I got to know while working at Flamson Middle School in Paso Robles, CA. He has been diagnosed with cancer. He also epitomizes the best of what immigrants to the United States can bring to our country. He is a hard working young man, a big brother who keeps a close eye on his younger sibling to make sure he does right. He is an athlete and a scholar with an eye on going to college. He earned his way into the high school AVID program through good grades and teacher recommendations. He is a young man worth investing in.
Yet, the community that responded so quickly and generously to Facebook posts and the GoFundMe account set up for another local high school athlete has not been as quick to respond. What could cause an anglo football player to get such a different response than an hispanic soccer player?
I hope that as you read this blog, you will consider joining me in a making a very big difference in the lives of Jose and his family by donating to the Cancer Medical Fund set up in his name. Please share this opportunity to give with friends and family and let’s see if together, we can begin this New Year by making a difference.
Education, Leadership, and Pedagogy 