As you may know, my Son plays Rugby. He plays for San Joaquin Memorial High school. Prior to high school he played for the CenCal Rugby Club. CenCal Youth Sports is a 501c3 non-profit organization. They like to say that they “promote the characteristics of Hard-Work, Integrity, and Trust. They offer a variety of sports and fitness programs for players aged 6-14“, but really it’s more than that. Much more!

During a recent match between our CenCal High School team and the Granite Bay Rugby Club on April 29th, a distressing incident unfolded when Tyson Wasser, a player from Granite Bay, suffered a stroke caused by a blood clot in his neck. Amidst the intensity of the game, two vigilant CenCal players swiftly recognized the severity of the situation. They promptly rushed to Tyson’s aid, offering their assistance and ensuring he was safely escorted off the field. Thanks to the prompt response of the on-site medical staff, Tyson received the necessary care in time, ultimately saving his life.
Tyson’s journey to recovery is far from over. Unfortunately, his insurance coverage will only support 21 days of rehabilitation, while he requires a minimum of 90 days for a comprehensive recovery. Recognizing the financial challenges ahead, the Granite Bay Rugby Club has established a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds dedicated to Tyson’s rehabilitation. This is an opportunity for compassionate individuals to contribute and support Tyson on his path to regaining his health.

As Coach Nate expressed…
I am very thankful for the two players that assisted Tyson off of the field and the immediate support that our High School Players had for Tyson when he was brought to the sideline. Our players cleared a space, helped Tyson to the bench, and provided water and ice while medical staff assessed the situation.
Rugby is a family and a community. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tyson as he moves through recovery. Thank you to all of our coaches and parents in CenCal for raising young men and women who have respect and compassion for others. We will keep you informed of Tyson’s recovery as we get updates.
Rugby transcends being merely a sport; it is a tightly-knit family and an inclusive community.
This event has me thinking a lot about “Community” and of course the FresYes Community we have here. If you are reading this, you are part of our community.

Communities provide a framework for social interaction, fostering relationships that enrich our lives and help us navigate the challenges we face. They serve as a safety net, offering assistance in times of need (like for Tyson) as well as celebrating our triumphs together. Communities empower individuals to come together, pooling their unique talents, skills, and resources for the collective good. They encourage collaboration, innovation, and growth, fostering an environment where ideas can flourish and dreams can be realized. Beyond the practical benefits, communities offer a profound sense of connection and identity, instilling a deep-rooted sense of belonging that nourishes the human spirit.
I am grateful for the FresYes Community, I am grateful for you!
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