The Bonn Law Minor Peewee Quinte Red Devils have proudly adopted their 18th teammate from Uganda.
Edrine is an 11 year old boy who lives with his mother and siblings in Uganda. They survive on funds generated from what is grown in their small family garden. Over the last two months, we have learned that Edrine is completely debilitated by a severe club foot that prevents him from attending school or participating in many of the daily activities our active boys take for granted. Even walking small distances can be extremely painful and lead to catastrophic abscesses for Edrine. In Canada, corrective surgery would have been provided in infancy but his condition has been left untreated for so long that he is in need of major reconstructive surgery and follow up care. This process promises a challenging recovery that will extend throughout our season and beyond.
In August, the Quinte boys participated in a run/swim duathlon at Coach Jeanna’s house in an effort to raise funds to provide life changing surgery for Edrine. Last week we were able to send Edrine a picture to show him that his whole team was rooting for him from Canada. We have since learned that he has undergone a successful surgery and is on his lengthy road to recovery, our boys having his back every step of the way. Edrine is teaching our team powerful messages of resilience, perseverance, humility and empathy.
We are so proud and humbled to be part of the 18th Man Project. Stay tuned for next month’s updates when Edrine will receive a backpack full of gifts, including his very own Quinte Red Devils jersey.