On January 19, 2015 our lives were changed forever when our family member Rafael Rodriguez, experienced a horrific automobile accident leaving him in the hospital with several severe injuries that will impact him for the rest of his life. However, Rafael's injuries pale in comparison to the grief of losing his friend of 20+ years, Claudia Beruben (Support for Claudia: http://alturl.com/6ava9), who was also in the accident. Continuously reliving the days, hours, minutes, and seconds before such a tragedy, is heartbreaking. But knowing that it's not possible to have that day back to be with his friend, proves to be the real road to recovery.
With all his heart Rafael sends his love and condolences to Claudia's family, extreme gratitude to all those who have sent prayers, his entire family, and to the light of his life, his son Christian.
For the past 14 years, Rafael, aka "Coach Ralf," has been working with kids from ages 4-19 as a personal baseball instructor. He has an incredible amount of energy and commitment to “his kids” as he often refers to them, by treating them as if they were his own and working closely with them to elevate their skills and abilities while always being extremely patient. He goes out of his way regularly to not only coach the kids, but also show up at their games to cheer them on while monitoring their individual progress. He also donates his time to local baseball camps.
In additional to his commitment to young kids in baseball, Ralf has spent many hours volunteering his time to help the homeless. He has done everything from personally preparing and delivering food to them directly, to using social media to locate crutches and a medical boot for one homeless man who fractured his foot.
Ralf has been guided by his faith in God, his love for his own son, and his belief in giving back. As a private coach, he works for himself and doesn't have the benefit of sick days or paid time off. Therefore, we're hoping that those who are close to him will be willing to help.
While Ralf is in the hospital grieving the loss of his dear friend who did not survive the accident, his severe injuries to his hand and neck are being tended to. He is beginning to stabilize, but has already received five surgeries, including the amputation of his right hand. He is now facing countless hours of intense physical therapy. His medical bills are expected to be enormous and mostly uncovered. Through this incredibly trying time, Rafael will be eternally grateful for any help whatsoever towards his medical and personal expenses.
Thank you all so much.
With all his heart Rafael sends his love and condolences to Claudia's family, extreme gratitude to all those who have sent prayers, his entire family, and to the light of his life, his son Christian.
For the past 14 years, Rafael, aka "Coach Ralf," has been working with kids from ages 4-19 as a personal baseball instructor. He has an incredible amount of energy and commitment to “his kids” as he often refers to them, by treating them as if they were his own and working closely with them to elevate their skills and abilities while always being extremely patient. He goes out of his way regularly to not only coach the kids, but also show up at their games to cheer them on while monitoring their individual progress. He also donates his time to local baseball camps.
In additional to his commitment to young kids in baseball, Ralf has spent many hours volunteering his time to help the homeless. He has done everything from personally preparing and delivering food to them directly, to using social media to locate crutches and a medical boot for one homeless man who fractured his foot.
Ralf has been guided by his faith in God, his love for his own son, and his belief in giving back. As a private coach, he works for himself and doesn't have the benefit of sick days or paid time off. Therefore, we're hoping that those who are close to him will be willing to help.
While Ralf is in the hospital grieving the loss of his dear friend who did not survive the accident, his severe injuries to his hand and neck are being tended to. He is beginning to stabilize, but has already received five surgeries, including the amputation of his right hand. He is now facing countless hours of intense physical therapy. His medical bills are expected to be enormous and mostly uncovered. Through this incredibly trying time, Rafael will be eternally grateful for any help whatsoever towards his medical and personal expenses.
Thank you all so much.