Rush For a Cause Helping One Student-Athlete at a Time

Matthew Galland launched Rush for a Cause in 2009 when he was a junior at Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School.

The football player just wanted to help after hearing about a student from a nearby high school, paralyzed from the chest down following a freak football injury.

They’d never met before. 

Rush for a Cause provided funds for a new handicap-accessible van for the student to help “his journey toward greater independence and a fulfilling life as a quadriplegic.”

Matthew went on to attend the US Air Force Academy, but his mother Debbie Galland stepped in right where he left off.

“It’s become near and dear to our hearts because we see the difference we’re making,” she said. “It’s been so overwhelmingly received. As a family unit, we became invested. We certainly weren’t going to drop the ball.”

Since 2009, the non-profit organization has helped about a half-dozen student-athletes injured in high school sports. And so far in 2013 — just a few months into the year — the organization has already distributed more than $24,000.

Hundreds, if not thouands, of student-athletes from around Ohio have already volunteered their time during the past four years.

Rush for a Cause is looking for students all across the state to help — and for others to get involved in volunteering.

In addition to providing money to families in need, the organization also hosts fundraising events and provides and community support.

“The concept is athletes helping athletes,” she said. “They can do that in all sorts of ways.” 

Galland said that sports injuries “can happen to anyone in a single second,” so the organization provides an outlet for students to chip in.

“We welcome all different sports,” she said. “Athletes from all over Ohio are encouraged to participate. It’s a great opportunity for leadership and service.”

For more information, or to get involved, visit the Rush for a Cause website.