Usually when wrestling is brought up, one’s first thought is a duel between two skilled individuals battling for the win. However, the wrestlers do more than just grapple. The team participates in fundraisers that give back to charities and communities. From supporting illnesses to injuries, the wrestling team is always giving back.
Over the last five years, Coach Mr. David Esposito and his teams have raised over $15,000 for various charities. Many different people have been touched by the generosity of Esposito and the wrestlers.
Esposito shares that wrestlers have contributed to causes such as breast cancer, wounded warriors, and Daniel Wasson.
This year, the wrestlers are supporting Rach’s Hope, a foundation that supports kids in the hospital to get what they need.
Senior captain Mason Hallstrom explains, “Rach’s Hope raises money for parents of children in the ICU. Instead of having to drive 30 minutes everyday from home to a hospital and make other sacrifices just to see your kid, the charity pays for a hotel close by the hospital so that you can be with your child while they get the care they need.”
On March 2, 2019 Rach’s Hope was founded by Allan and Lisa Doran after the untimely death of their daughter Rachel. In her honor, they created Rach’s Hope to help families who need support.
Rach’s Hope website says, “Rach’s Hope was founded to address the challenges families face during and after a child’s critical illness requiring an extended stay in intensive care.”
With this mission in mind, people can follow and educate themselves on this cause. Just being aware of the situation may provide a different outlook on life. Supporting this cause gives the team something to fight for and take pride in.
Senior captain Kelly Aspras states, “The charity gives us something to wrestle for, people to help and support.”
This can fuel the fire for the wrestling team and keep them eager throughout the season. Rallying behind one cause can unite the team and may make them stronger, giving them laser focus to do all they can in their matches.
With every move that’s made on the mat, the Foran Lions will keep what they’re fighting for in mind. The wrestlers represent all the kids that are in the hospital who have found comfort in Rach’s Hope.
Coach Esposito encourages the Foran Community to come together and support Rach’s Hope on January 10 at 6:30 PM during Foran Wrestling’s annual charity match. For those unable to attend, they can donate at rachshope.org.
