On 11/6 I reffed at Kipp Kollar’s NAGA Chicago. Throughout the first day, we were assisted by dozens of volunteers from Master Bob Schirmer’s Combat-Do. Among these good people was 11-year-old Santiago Hernandez, and his mother Mary Ellen.
That night Santiago went home, and there witnessed the death of his father in their home. The next day Santiago returned, entered, fought, and won his division; he placed the Gold medal in his dad’s coffin.
The training at Combat-Do has been turning Santiago’s life around, burning fat to muscle, a taunted, sometimes haunted life to one of respect. He trains in MMA, has competed in San Shou, as well as the IKF tournament in Florida, The Arnold’s in Ohio, and NAGA tournaments.
I am asking our community to make his Christmas as bright as possible.
The family, already of very modest means, is now devastated. Anything you could do can make a real difference. If you own a sportswear company, a tshirt sent across the country could let Santiago know he has people who know and care, everywhere. Even a small paypal donation could be dinner.
The effort is being handled by Combat-Do. There is no overhead. This Christmas, every penny goes straight to a boy, who loves and trains in what we do, from whom too much has been asked and taken. He is only 11. Checks or christmas gifts can be sent to:
Santiago Hernandez
C/o Combat-Do
2138 S 61st Ct
Cicero, IL 60804-2017
To donate via paypal, please use the button below
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