Throwing, dodging and ducking is the name of the game; the more opponents you knock off the court – the closer you are to victory. However, a dodgeball tournament this weekend isn't just about eliminating the other team; it is about eliminating the burden on local families. “To give hope to these families who feel so helpless," says Maria Barber whose daughter, Lila, was born with Cerebral Palsy 12 years ago. Maria is also the founder of Dodge for a Cause to raise money for families with children who have special needs.
Ashleigh Martinez’s daughter, Lennah, was also born with Cerebral Palsy. "You get the special needs diagnosis, whatever it may be. For us it was Cerebral Palsy and you feel just lost. You're hearing all these things that your children can't do." Their family benefited from Dodge for a Cause three years ago and now they play an active role in fund raising. "Last year we were able to give back to 11 local families of special needs children." More than that, they are also part of a network of families who support each other as they explore all their treatment options. "That can mean something different for everybody whether it's CBD oil to treat seizures or a seizure detection dog."
In Lila's case it was stem cells. Nine years ago, the Barbers brainstormed ways to fund Lila’s $20,000 stem cell treatment and that is how Dodge for a Cause was born. "Our first tournament we raised $1,000 and we felt so humbled and blessed,” shares Maria. “And last year we raised $43,000 for families in our community.” The money from this fundraiser is earmarked specifically for alternative treatments for children with special needs. The organization will also help guide families to resources covered by insurance.
By shining light on some of the non-traditional treatments out there, and then helping to pay for them, families feel empowered to give other options a shot. "When you have somebody like the Barber family and the Dodge for a Cause family reach out to you and tell you that they can help, it lightens your load," explains Ashleigh with a grateful smile on her face.
Dodge for a Cause is this Saturday, March 2nd at Silver State Volleyball Club at 4675 Aircenter Way in Reno. There is still space available to sign up a team of six to eight players. Team registration is $275. The recreation bracket starts at 8 a.m. and the competitive bracket starts at 10 a.m. Call (775) 250-6381 to sign up or email Maria Barber at mariak_2198@yahoo.com. There will also be food trucks, a silent auction and raffle prizes.
