Established
in 2011 Grapplethon has not only acted as a Samaritan to various causes but has
also promoted unity and awareness extending beyond the confines of the
grappling mats now making its way to Arizona.WHAT IS A GRAPPLETHON : You probably thinking to yourself is this a tournament coming into your town ? NOPE !! Grapplethon is NOT A TOURNAMENT however it is a gathering of another kind. The Grapplethon charity event is an open mat fundraising training session where grapplers from various BJJ teams join together to train for a predetermined period of time, supporting individuals going through life struggles such as death in the family, terminal illness, serious injury, and other burden hardships.
Location: Team Beauregard Brazilian Jiu-jitsu
145 W Broadway Rd # 8
Mesa, Az 85210
Date: April 23 2016
Time: 1:00 pm- until everyone leaves
Brayden Hughes is a 13 year old boy that's
already overcome several health challenges in his young life. He was a
premature baby that led to months living in neonatal intensive care centers,
eventually having his first surgery at 11 months old. By 3 years old he was
diagnosed with Autism attending numerous amounts of speech and occupational
therapies to better prepare him for kindergarten. This once nonverbal boy,
began speaking and with the help of an aide at school, progressed nicely
throughout his elementary school career. By middle school kids began to bully
Brayden to the extent that he had to be homeschooled. Just when things began to
calm down for him; the unbelievable news of cancer was given.
Brayden was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma
of the spine. A rare cancer that began in his spinal cord, and spread,
fracturing several vertebrae. He has been receiving chemotherapy since July of
2015, and completed 6 weeks of radiation and is still going strong. This once
bullied child, has taken his battle with cancer and catapulted it into a new
lease on life. Upon going to various hospitals, he learned a lot about
pediatric cancer families and in doing so, realized that even in his darkest
days, there's a child somewhere fighting much harder than he ever had to. He
began a charity where he takes donations and purchases much needed supplies for
kids with cancer; such as diapers, formula, gift cards, clothing, and so on. He
has touched many families through his philanthropic work, and in the process,
managed to boost his own self worth a great deal. While Brayden is still
undergoing chemotherapy today, he spends his days giving back to his community.
His strength through adversity speaks volumes to his maturity; and he hopes to
one day be cancer free himself.Price: The cost to attend will be $ 10 nothing less. However if you choose to donate more that is totally fine. (Cash or Check)
Format: 6 Minute
Rolls (timer style). Gi and No-Gi. If you choose to do no-gi please no crazy submissions that
may injure your training partner. Remember we are here to Train Safe and Have
Fun !!!
Raffle
Prizes: There will be 7 raffle gifts up for grabs
at the event. Raffle prizes will be raffled after every 12 minutes
(2 rolls) so everyone will get to get there prize during the event!!! Raffle
Tickets with your first and last name will be used as the “raffle ticket” so
luckily you don’t have to look at your number while training.
In-Door entry
Gift: First
30 people to show up to the event will receive an exclusive Grapplethon patch!!
For more information and updates on the event please visit Grapplethon Arizona Facebook Event Page.
If you have any questions contact Monta Wiley or
Ryan Bearegarud at Facebook.
