The purpose of this fundraiser is to supply the Grain Valley Middle School Football Team with additional safety equipment.

I was led to begin this fundraiser after reading an article about Cohen Craddock, an 8th grade, 13-year-old defensive lineman for his school's football team. He suffered a deadly head injury during practice last Friday, the same day 16-year-old quarterback, Caden Tellier, died from a head injury during his high school team's season opener. Cohen's parents are on a mission to raise awareness about better safety for athletes, including the use of "impact reducing soft-shell helmet covers" called Guardian Caps.

As the mom of an 8th grade, 13-year-old defensive lineman, my heart broke when I read about Cohen. I pray this type of tragedy never happens to our amazing group of 8th graders here in Grain Valley. To help reduce the risk of severe head injury, I am asking on behalf of the team for you to donate towards the purchase of Guardian Caps for each of our 60 players. We need approximately $5,000 to reach this goal. I've received the approval and full support of our coaching staff and I hope to have your financial support. Together, we can honor Cohen and further his parents' mission by keeping our own kiddos as safe as possible.

*Any additional funds received above the goal will be used for safety equipment for Cohen Craddock's football team (if needed) and then kept locally in Grain Valley for safety equipment.