Help Blake's Dream: Team Canada U13 in Austria

Hi, my name is Heather Rutledge and I am a close friend to Blake's parents Tyler & Samantha.

Back in January 2023, Blake was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome - a kidney disease.

Imagine a young heart pulsating with the love of hockey, a spirit undeterred by adversity, and a dream that glows brighter than the challenges it faces. This is the story of Blake, an almost 11-year-old boy from Ontario, whose passion for hockey lights up his world, even as he bravely battles nephrotic syndrome FSGS, a condition that has left his kidneys functioning at only 33%.

Despite his condition requiring a strict diet and continuous medical care, Blake's determination and love for the game have earned him an extraordinary opportunity: to represent Team Canada U13 at a ball hockey tournament in Austria. This isn't just a trip; it's a chance for Blake to live out a dream that many only hope to imagine, a testament to his resilience, and an opportunity to stand tall on an international stage.

But dreams of this magnitude come with their set of challenges. The cost of travel, accommodation, a specific diet, and medical travel insurance tailored to Blake's needs is daunting. With Blake’s family already stretched thin from managing his medical care, the financial burden of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity feels insurmountable.

This is where we turn to you, our community, our friends, and all who believe in the power of dreams. We are reaching out to ask for your support in helping Blake and his family cover the expenses of participating in the tournament in Austria. Your generosity can help alleviate the financial strain on his family and ensure Blake gets his moment on the international stage, not just as a player, but as a beacon of hope and perseverance.

Every donation, no matter the size, brings Blake one step closer to Austria, to representing his country, and to realizing a dream that has shone through the toughest of times. Let's come together to make this dream a reality for Blake. Your support means more than just financial aid; it's a message to Blake that he’s not alone, that his courage inspires, and that his dream is worth fighting for.

How You Can Help:

Donate: Every contribution brings Blake closer to his dream.

Share: Spread the word! Share Blake’s story on your social media, with friends, and within your community.

Encourage: Leave a message of support for Blake and his family. Let’s show them the strength of their community.

Thank you for considering supporting Blake’s journey. Together, we can help him fly beyond the constraints of his condition and onto the hockey field in Austria, where dreams play out in real time.

The funds will be used to cover the costs of the tournament for Blake & his parents, the added medical travel insurance cost that we will need to make sure we have in place for Blake with his condition, cost of food & some money to see Austria as his first time leaving the County.