Friends4Raúl Ordoñez

My name is Carlos Drada and I am appealing to each and everyone of you to make a concerted effort in support of  Raúl Ordoñez in his battle against ALS.  Raúl is one of those people with an extraordinary ability- a person that stands out for the duration of one's life.  He was blessed with a God given talent.  Raúl is and was able to contribute to many people regardless of their country of origin, background, or future tennis potential.  One of my more vivid memories from my time at Bollettieri's was how Raúl was able to positively change the energy in any room and improve the overall well being of those around him.   He cared for the well being of other coaches and students. I remember Raúl as my Big, larger than life, brother who happened to also be a gifted tennis coach.  I remember his amazing net skills and matching footwork.   He was a positive influence for tennis legends such as:  Andre Agassi, Jim Courier, Monica Seles, Mary Pierce and the Williams sisters.   I personally saw how he was able to help develop amazing tennis players such as Anna Kournikova and Tommy Haas into better players, and most importantly great people. 

 In 2004, Raúl was diagnosed with the condition (ALS) and has been battling this illness since with the fortitude that always characterized him. 
He is not only currently looking for solutions to his current condition, but he is also continuing to help kids in need with his tennis foundation.   At this moment, Raúl is running LOW ON FUNDS to cover his medical examinations (NOT EVERYTHING IS COVERED BY HIS INSURANCE) so we need to raise as many funds as possible NOW!!!!

For this reason, I want to bring awareness to everyone who was positively influenced by Raúl to help him continue cover his basic needs while helping his charity work with underprivileged kids who are using the sport of tennis as a vehicle to a healthier lifestyle. 

In advance, I appreciate all of you for your contributions and remind to please stay in touch with Raúl.  A simple note of appreciation and encouragement is also a huge gift that we can give him.

Kind regards,

Carlos Drada