Reading, PA – The Reading Royals of the ECHL and forward Ryan Cruthers today jointly announced program to raise funds for the expenses related to the care of Derrick Redcay, an 18-year-old resident of Berks County who sustained a rare spinal cord stroke on April 24, 2014. Under the Score for Redcay Strong program, Cruthers, the all-time leading scorer for the Royals, will donate $2.00 for every goal he scores this season and $1.00 for each assist he picks up. Cruthers is challenging all Royals’ fans and others to match his donation over the course of the upcoming season.
Ryan Cruthers said, “This season I am very excited to be able to help raise awareness and money for Derrick and his family. I have built a great friendship with Derrick and his family since his unfortunate and tragic spinal stoke. Derrick has taught me so much about strength and determination it's a true honor to be able to dedicate something to him.”
Derrick Redcay stated, “I think that the fundraiser program is great. I cannot thank Ryan and the Royals enough for the support and contributions toward our family!!! I am excited that we can team up with each other and together be Redcay Strong.”
All fans need to do to participate in the Score for Redcay Strong program is log onto http://royalshockey.com/community/redcaystrong/ and complete the registration form. Please note that final donations will be tallied and collected at the conclusion of the Royals 2014-15 season. Proceeds raised will be donated directly to the Derrick Redcay Strong Foundation. Every participant in the Score for Derrick program will be automatically entered in a drawing for a $100 gift card to Little Caesar’s Pizza of Sinking Spring.
On April 24, 2014, Derrick suffered a rare stroke to his spinal cord. The stroke severed his spinal cord nerves at the C4-C6 area. Immediately after the incident, Derrick had no sensation or movement below his neck. There have been improvements in Derrick’s condition, but he remains in need of continual medical attention. Derrick and his family remain positive about the prospects for improvements in his condition with the assistance, guidance and care of his physicians.
Derrick, who was in his senior year at Muhlenberg High School, was a member of the high school varsity baseball team, the Alsace Lutheran Church Youth Group, and is a member of the National Technical Honor Society, earned by maintaining a 3.5 GPA since the 9th grade. Derrick is also a volunteer firefighter with the Goodwill Fire Company, helping out at a five-alarm blaze in the township less than twenty-four hours before he was stricken. Derrick has been accepted to the University of New Haven to study Fire Science. More information on Derrick and the effort to raise funds for his medical care can be found at www.RedcayStrong.org.
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