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The Young Athletes We Help
The SDSMF accepts applications from young athletes (ages 10 to 18) that have a sports related injury which requires further medical evaluation and due to unforeseen reasons the athlete does not have medical insurance and/or limited financial means to pay for or receive the costly medical attention required.  Amongst the thousands of youth seen and treated since 2002 at our injury clinics and pre-participation physicals, over fifty of these athletes have needed an MRI and/or surgery to return to sports.  Below lists the names of the San Diego young athletes who have received medical or surgical care from the SDSMF.
 

Listed in alphabetical order by last name:

  • David Abdi (2006)
  • Maria Elena Avila (2007)
  • Cory Beeson, II (2004)
  • John-Paul Bolwahnn (2006)
  • Chen Cai (2009)
  • Tony Calhoun (2007)
  • Adolfo Castellano (2005)
  • Shelby Caverelli (2006)
  • Raul Cervantes (2004)
  • Paul Cortes (2008)
  • Ramon Cruz (2009)
  • Travis Davidson (2003)
  • Anton Dawson
  • Aaron Diaz (2009)
  • Samantha Dixon (2009)
  • Sean Ferguson (2006)
  • Mark Flores (2007)
  • Fontayne Fuga (2008)

Some of the young athletes stories are highlighted below.

 

  • Elizabeth Garcia (2007)
  • Abraham Gertz (2009)
  • Joshua Gonzales (2004)
  • Carlos Gonzalez (2008)
  • RathDavid Hy (2008)
  • Jamaar Jarrett (2007)
  • Juwaun Jones (2004)
  • Genaro Luna (2007)
  • Darrell Mack (2004) & (2009)
  • Kyle McGriff (2008)
  • Josh Mendoza (2009)
  • Andrew Misipeka (2004)
  • Stanton Moaalii (2007)
  • Kodi Moneymaker (2004)
  • Guillermo Moreno (2007)
  • Darryl Mosley (2003)

 

  • Federico Osuna (2007)
  • Corey Page (2004)
  • Dilyn Rickard (2003)
  • Lynnsey Riley (2006)
  • Wytnee Riley (2005)
  • Enrique Rios (2007)
  • Leslie Rogers (2009)
  • Abigail Rosas (2009)
  • Abraham Ruc (2004)
  • Tommy Sanchez (2005)
  • Patrick Schneeman (2009)
  • Derek Shaw (2004)
  • Daniel Smith (2008)
  • Savelina "Lina" (2006)
  • Brittany Webb (2009)
  • Zachery Weir (2005)
  • Kesia Williams (2009)
  • Matt Winston (2005) 


Darrel Mack Monte Vista High School
Darrell Mack – Monte Vista High School – ACL surgery recipient

In December 2004, in the final quarter of the CIF Championship game of his senior year in high school, Darrell tore his ACL.

Darrell came to the foundation for help to allow his dream of going to college and graduating with a degree. His only way to college however was an athletic scholarship.  His dream hung on the balance of having his ACL surgically repaired. The foundation supported Darrell with surgery, physical therapy and a knee brace.

He was the #1 running back recruit out of high school and last year graduated from University of Utah as a communications major. In 2007, Darrell scored the winning touchdown in the Poinsettia Bowl for Utah’s win over Navy. Last year, Utah was victorious in the Sugar Bowl over Alabama. His 2,065 rushing yards ranks eighth all-time at Utah and his 458 carries ranks sixth for the Utes.

This is what the San Diego Sports Medicine Foundation is all about. Giving kids like Darrell a chance in life…

Regardless of whether Darrell makes it into the NFL or not, he has already brought a great deal of love and joy to his Grandparents Larry and Farleigh, and clearly is a positive role model for today’s youth. His mother would certainly be proud of the young man Darrell has become.

Abraham Gertz – Soille Hebrew Day School – ACL and Meniscus Surgery Recipient
Abraham Gertz
Abraham Gertz – Soille Hebrew Day School – ACL and Meniscus Surgery Recipient
In March of 2009 Abraham Gertz, a 14-year-old club soccer and football player at Soille Hebrew Day School was referred to the foundation by one of Dr. Chao’s physician assistants who learned that the family was struggling to pay for the MRI and additional treatment. The Gertz family is under significant financial stress right now – his mother is unemployed and his father has a commission-based sales job with no medical benefits.
 
The family’s Cobra plan ran out in January, and they weren’t able to afford to continue the plan. During this time, Abraham was injured. The MRI concluded that his ACL was torn and he was suffering from a possible meniscus tear. Surgery was definitely needed, but the costs would put significant financial strain on the family.

The hallmark of the foundation is that physicians, surgeons, anesthesiologists and therapists provide their services at no cost. Dr. David Chao and Dr. Razvan Scobercea have stepped in and donated their services, along with the post-operative care donated by Team Makena and Don Joy Inc.  
 
Abraham is doing his post-operative physical therapy at Select PT with Susan Munson and her team. He is at physical therapy twice a week and works hard on all the special exercises Susan recommends. By the end of the summer, Abraham should be 90 percent healed. His mother is grateful for the foundation and praises the efforts of SDSMF often. She has also offered to volunteer for SDSMF to show her gratitude.

<div style="font-family: Arial; color: #6B879A;">Patrick Schneemann – Sweetwater High School – Shoulder Surgery Recipient
Patrick Schneemann
Patrick Schneemann – Sweetwater High School – Shoulder Surgery Recipient

After his injury in the spring of 2009, Patrick Schneemann, a 17-year-old baseball and football player from Bonita Vista High School was referred to the foundation by Jerry Schniepp of the Sweetwater Union High School District. He is also a patient of Dr. Tal David at OASIS MSO, and under his care Dr. David confirmed a labrum tear in Patrick’s right shoulder.

The MRI also concluded that, in order to repair his shoulder, Patrick needed surgery. Patrick comes from a family of six brothers and sisters. They have an insurance plan, but it has an $8,000 deductible and the family has only met $1,100 thus far. With the cost of the surgery exceeding $10,000, and DME and physical therapy not covered by their plan, the family would suffer great financial hardship if they had to pay out of pocket for his surgery.

The SDSMF sponsored his surgery and post-operative care so Patrick can follow his dreams as the starting varsity quarterback for his senior year. In mid-June, Patrick started his physical therapy with friends of SDSMF, Manual Orthopedic PT in Eastlake. Mike Stein and his team will keep the foundation updated on Patrick’s recovery. Since his surgery by Dr. David, Patrick has been out to the baseball field to visit his friends and show off his cool arm sling.


Leslie Rogers – Point Loma High School – ACL Surgery Recipient (January 2009)
Leslie Rogers
Leslie Rogers – Point Loma High School – ACL Surgery Recipient 

In early 2009, Leslie Rogers, a 16-year-old football player from Point Loma High School, was referred to the foundation by Steve Bee with Team Surgical, and Dr. William Eves, an orthopedist, regarding his knee injury. 

Dr. Eves, team physician for Point Loma, concluded that Leslie has a right ACL tear and surgery was required. Leslie and his family made many attempts to try to schedule his surgery at Children’s Hospital. Unfortunately, due to his limiting type of insurance, there has been no sense of urgency for the surgery. Because of financial constraints, his family has been unable to afford the procedure. Leslie is starting his senior year of high school, and has hopes for a football scholarship to attend college, despite the hardships he has endured growing up. 

Dr. Eves performed the surgery at no cost, along with his anesthesiologist at Mission Valley Heights Surgery Center. Ed Ayub donated the post-operative physical therapy so Leslie can be ready in August for summer football camp.


Ramon Cruz – Grossmont High School – Discoid Meniscus Surgery Recipient
Ramon Cruz
Ramon Cruz – Grossmont High School – Discoid Meniscus Surgery Recipient
 
In the spring of 2009, Ramon Cruz, a 15-year-old soccer player from Grossmont High School wanted the opportunity to play soccer and participate in teenage activities without worrying about his knee, with help from the SDSMF has a great future ahead of him.

Ramon came to the foundation by referral from Dr. James Moitoza with Rady Children’s Hospital. His injury is almost 4 years old and due to the pain in his left knee, he cannot try out for the Grossmont soccer team or fully participate in physical education activities. His MRI shows a lateral meniscus tear, which requires arthroscopic surgery. Gloria (Ramon’s mom), a single mother of four boys, is unable to provide the means to pay for the needed medical care to repair Ramon’s knee. There is emergency Medi-Cal available to the family, but this type of surgery is not covered. He is working diligently in school and wants to play on sports teams like the other kids.

During surgery, it was discovered that Ramon had a discoid meniscus (also known as Popping Knee Syndrome – an abnormally shaped lateral meniscus within the knee joint) with a tear, and unfortunately the lateral meniscus had to be completely removed. This was something Ramon was born with. He will have to dedicate himself to numerous hours of post-operative physical therapy to fully recover, and will be prone to arthritis as he gets older.

The foundation has setup physical therapy at La Mesa PT with Gerry Nash and his team. SDSMF will continue to update his progression through the recovery process.

<div style="font-family: Arial; color: #6B879A;">Aaron Diaz – Sweetwater High School – Lateral Meniscus Surgery Recipient
Aaron Diaz

Aaron Diaz – Sweetwater High School – Lateral Meniscus Surgery Recipient


SDSMF’s current candidate is Aaron Diaz, a 16-year-old football and soccer player from Sweetwater High School. Aaron was first introduced to the foundation at our Thursday afternoon injury clinics. Since he was pre-evaluated by the high school’s ATC, we knew he needed to have X-rays and an ACL exam.

It was further concluded that Aaron needed an MRI to see if he tore his ACL and/or meniscus. He is a dedicated student with strong ambition for sports and academics. He hoped to be able to go to prom and dance with his girlfriend the second week of May, and the SDSMF was able to help him enjoy this special time in his young life. 

There is no money to pay for the MRI, let alone surgery. Aaron’s parents aren’t in a position to afford it, and their employers do not offer medical benefits. The SDSMF funded his MRI. The good news is that the MRI showed the ACL was intact and no tears were present; however he tore his lateral meniscus. His arthroscopic surgery was a success, and he is in physical therapy at Manual Orthopaedic in Eastlake with Mike Stein and his team.

Aaron may need a brace to play sports and help prevent future arthritis. The SDSMF will continue to follow his progress and his return to football in the fall.

Samantha Dixon – Lincoln Middle School – Ongoing Hip Pain and Pending Final Evaluation
Samantha Dixon
Samantha Dixon – Lincoln Middle School – Ongoing Hip Pain and Pending Final Evaluation 

In 2009, Samantha Dixon, a 12-year-old soccer player and dancer from Lincoln Middle School. learned about the foundation via our Thursday afternoon injury clinic, and was also referred by Frank Zimmerman, Director of Coaching with Soccer Club of Oceanside.  

It was concluded by Dr. Scobercea that Samantha is in need of an MRI on her left hip, and he advised that she see a pediatric orthopedist. We setup an appointment with Dr. Edmunds at Rady Children’s Hospital, and he offered to evaluate her at no cost. When her MRI came back normal, it was even more important for her to follow-up with a pediatric orthopedist. Dr. Edmunds suggested two months of physical therapy to see if her hip flexors would loosen up. She is currently being treated by Tina Recalde and team at Tri City Medical Center Rehabilitation Services.


Rath David Hy – La Jolla High School: ACL and Wrist Surgery Recipient
Rath David Hy
Rath David Hy – La Jolla High School:  ACL and Wrist Surgery Recipient 

Rath David was a special case for the San Diego Sports Medicine Foundation in 2007, as he came to us with two injuries following a high school football game. He came to our Saturday Morning Injury Clinic and was seen by Dr. Tal David for a knee injury. An MRI of his knee was performed and a tear of the ACL tendon was documented. During that same visit, he mentioned some pain in one of his wrists and X-rays were taken that revealed a scaphoid fracture.

It was tough news for the young athlete that he would require surgery for two injuries and with no means to cover medical expenses. RathDavid was reassured by the SDSMF staff, medical consultants and his family that he would be able to return to the sport he loves – football!  Timing was critical for this 17 year-old so he would have the opportunity to return to the varsity football team for his senior year.

Michael Kimball, MD, with Girard Orthopaedic Surgeons, performed the ACL operation in December 2007 at the Orthopaedic Surgery Center of La Jolla, with Daniel Carusillo, MD providing anesthesia services.  One month later, James Chao, MD, with UCSD, performed his wrist surgery. Edward Ayub Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy stepped up to provide weeks and weeks of physical therapy that was required for him to rehabilitate in a safe and timely manner.  

Not much can slow down this dynamic young man who is instilled with a passion to play football. RathDavid would like to be the first person in his family to graduate from college and has dreams of attending SDSU. In his application essay, he stated that he is interested in the Arts, Films, and Business, but also expressed a desire to help others by becoming a Fire Fighter. For the time-being, he is getting ready for football training camp.

Elizabeth Garcia – Holtville High School: ACL and Meniscus Surgery
Elizabeth Garcia

Elizabeth Garcia – Holtville High School: ACL and Meniscus Surgery

 

We first heard about Elizabeth Garcia’s plight in October of 2007 from Dr. James Moitoza, an Orthopaedic Surgeon at Children’s Hospital. She was a 16-year-old basketball player from Holtville High School who had sustained a severe knee injury in January 2006.

 

Nine months later, Elizabeth came to one of our Saturday Morning Injury Clinics and was evaluated by Dr. Mat Gargulinski who discovered that her ACL was torn along with the lateral and medial menisci, with surgery as the only solution.

 

Elizabeth had been on crutches and could not fully extend her knee since her injury, and she was afraid that she would never be able to enjoy playing basketball, volleyball or dancing again. Unfortunately, her mother was supporting a family of four on a minimum-wage job and did not have the financial means to cover medical expenses.

 

It took a team effort to get Elizabeth back on her feet! Since her surgery in November 2007, she has continued with her rehabilitation and has been fitted with a custom DJ Ortho knee brace. In addition, she also received 5 weeks of physical therapy from Imperial PT and hopes to return to volleyball in the spring.

Paul Cortes – Temecula Valley High School: Shoulder Evaluation
Paul Cortes

Paul Cortes – Temecula Valley High School: Shoulder Evaluation


A recent SDSMF candidate is Paul Cortes, a 17-year-old baseball player from Temecula Valley High School. He has been suffering from a persistent shoulder injury since January 2008 and has been attempting conservative care with rest and the wait-and-see approach, but has had no improvement.

 

Paul’s father passed away last year and his family has been living off a Social Security check, with no access to medical care. He was referred to the SDSMF by OUCH Sports Medical Center for further evaluation in July. Since Paul lives in Temecula, SDSMF Medical Board Member and Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr. Robert Pace, agreed to treat him and execute a medical plan for his recovery.  

 

Paul was introduced to baseball at the very young age of five in Tijuana, Mexico. When he moved to the United States, he continued with his passion for the game and has been on the Varsity baseball team since he was a sophomore. It was his father’s dream that he would be able to earn a scholarship and attend college. With the support of the San Diego Sports Medicine Foundation, his family and his coaches, Paul has a fighting chance to make this happen!

Fontayne Fuga – Chaparral High School - ACL Surgery Candidate
Fontayne Fuga

Fontayne Fuga – Chaparral High School: ACL Surgery Candidate

 

SDSMF’s current candidate, Fontayne Fuga, was playing summer football and injured his knee. He was then referred to the SDSMF by OUCH Sports Medical Center for further evaluation.

 

He was named All CIF, All-League and All Inland Valley Football Player for the 2007 Season at Chaparral High School in Temecula. Fontayne does not live with his parents and has no contact with them, and with his only sibling lives in another state. A friend’s family has taken him in so he can remain in the area until he graduates. Unfortunately, he does not have medical insurance or access to funds to pay for medical care.

 

An MRI has confirmed a complete tear of his ACL and surgery was suggested. For the time-being, he has been fitted with a DJ Ortho brace, pending surgical care.

 

His final season of high school football is only one month away and Fontayne knows that college scouts will be watching; he is in desperate need of a scholarship. If he is able to continue playing football, he has the promise of a bright future. His football coach has taken him under his wing and is doing everything possible to get Fontayne back on the playing field. The SDSMF will continue to sponsor and monitor his medical care.

Chen Cai -  Maranatha Christian School - Knee Evaluation Candidate

Chen Cai is a 6’ 7” 16-year-old basketball player from Maranatha Christian School.  Chen is a foreign exchange student from China,  He was referred to the foundation by Mark Haines of San Diego State University, who evaluated him at a basketball camp in June. It is believed that Chen has a meniscus tear and we need to do an MRI to further diagnose his injury.


While Chen is living with a host family in the United States, he has little contact with his family. Unfortunately, they do not have the financial means to support Chen’s health insurance while he is here. We did get the mother’s signature on the application via fax from China, so she is aware of the injury. Since this injury happened in the off season, he was not covered under school insurance.