Caritas Smile

Help Erik Get Back on the Field ⚾️

Students from The Wheeler School in Providence, Rhode Island recently traveled to the Dominican Republic with Caritas Smile on a service-learning journey rooted in purpose, compassion, and connection. What they experienced went far beyond service—it was a powerful reminder of resilience, community, and the dreams that live within every child.

It was there, in Samaná, El Valle, that we met Erik.

Erik is a 14-year-old pitcher whose love for baseball is undeniable. The field is where he feels most alive—where his passion, discipline, and joy come together. But today, that dream is on pause.

Erik was recently involved in an accident where he was struck by a baseball bat, leaving him with a broken nose. Although he still shows up with heart—throwing a few fastballs when he can—he is unable to fully play the game he loves. He urgently needs surgery to heal and safely return to the field.

Erik is the youngest of five children, raised in a humble and hardworking home. His father is a motorcycle taxi driver, and his mother, a house cleaner, is currently seeking work. Like many families in the community, they face daily challenges—and the cost of this surgery is simply out of reach.

During our visit, Wheeler students and the Caritas Smile team worked together to paint the dugouts, bullpen, and surrounding areas of the local baseball field. It was a moment of pride and joy for the community—but meeting Erik was the moment that stayed with us. Even through injury, his spirit, strength, and love for baseball shined through.

Now, we have the opportunity to stand beside him.

Your donation will go directly toward Erik’s surgery and recovery—giving him the chance to heal, return to the field, and continue chasing his dreams.

This is more than helping a young athlete. This is about restoring hope, uplifting a family, and showing what’s possible when a community comes together.

Every contribution matters. Every act of kindness counts.

Let’s help Erik get back on the field.

Dear Friends and Global Changemakers,

Imagine a child living in a remote village with limited access to medical care. Now imagine being part of the solution—a chance to bring life-changing health services to children who need it most.

This January, we’re traveling to the village of Palero in Santiago Rodríguez, Dominican Republic, with one clear mission: to establish a revolving medical clinic that will provide ongoing care to children in the community. We’re partnering with Caritas Smile and Kindness Matters 365 to bring medical attention, education, and hope to families who have little access to healthcare.

Joining us on this transformative journey is the wonderful Dr. Andrew Reiss, a passionate pediatrician committed to ensuring that every child receives the compassionate care they need and deserve.

But we need your help to make this happen.

With your support, we can purchase essential medical supplies, such as:

Stethoscopes, thermometers, and glucometers

Medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and antihistamines

Disinfectants, alcohol swabs, and disposable gloves

Growth charts, scales, and first-aid items

Every dollar donated will go directly toward building this mobile clinic and equipping it to serve as a lifeline for children in Palero.

Here’s the impact your contribution can make:

This is more than a fundraiser. It’s a call to action to create lasting change. It’s an opportunity to build global connections, promote wellness, and change lives—one child at a time.

Together, we can ensure these children have access to the healthcare they deserve. Join us in making a difference.

Donate today and be part of something extraordinary.

Thank you for being the heartbeat of this mission.

With gratitude and hope,

Sixcia + Kindness Matters 365 + Caritas Smile Family