The ‘Fight for Cash’ event is centered on a wonderful young toddler named Cash Michael Williams. As you’ll read below, the 2 year old was born nearly blind but out of the darkness came hope in the form of experimental stem cell treatment that may very well improve his condition. In fact, it already has after one round of treatment that resulted in marked improvements over where he was before. Now rather than being blind, young Cash can see light and can already recognize colors.
But there is much more yet to be done in order to help Cash.
This fundraiser is centered around that mission as some of the influential members within the North Texas MMA / Grappling Community have come together to put on the upcoming 16-man grappling tourney scheduled for this Saturday.
There hope is to raise the funds needed for Cash to continue his treatment with an eye on helping alleviate his blind furthermore.
We recently spoke to local North Texas fighter Casey Wiliams (Cash’s uncle) to talk to him more about Saturday’s event.
Interview – Casey Williams (Fight for Cash Fundraiser)
Casey, give us some background on baby Cash so the community knows what this event is centered around.
Cash was born on 2-22-10. He is a beautiful baby boy with 2 sisters that love him very much! When Cash was 2 months old, Jesse and Morgan (his parents) noticed that he wasn’t tracking with his eyes. They took him to the doctor &, after an MRI, found out that he has Septo-Optic Dysplasia & is blind. The doctors told them that there’s nothing they can do. Jesse and Morgan refused to believe that they were helpless. They researched immediately & found out about Stem Cell Transplants being done in China that can help re-grow the nerves. Many desperate parents & children are going over there & coming back with amazing improvements… miracles! The treatment costs are incredibly expensive and insurance doesn’t contribute. With the help of many generous people, we were able send Cash to China in June 2011. He was completely blind before we went. Now not only does he see light, but he can locate the source that it is coming from. He sees colors as well and seems to really notice the color red. We are currently fundraising for trip number 2. That is focus for this event.
What does it mean to you personally?
This event to me means “hope for Cash” to me. Cash is my nephew and I have personally witnessed his improvements over the last year. Not only does this tournament help generate the needed revenue for a second trip to China; It also spotlights the generosity of the MMA & grappling community here in Texas.
The proceeds from this event will help build the foundation needed to make a 2nd trip to China a reality.
Okay so the fundraiser for Cash is set up around a pretty neat event. Tell us about the 16-man tourney you guys have going on.
There are so many exciting things about this tournament. The 16 fighters we have are truly some of the top grapplers in the area. This tournament is also unique because this is an open weight tournament that will take place in the cage. This provides the fighters to come with a unique game plan that would differ from a normal BJJ tournament. Plus it’s for a good cause.
Who’s invited?
Everyone is invited to this event.
Will it be televised or anything? How can our readers find out more?
While this tournament will not be televised, we will still have some of the best coverage in the State. Here are a few to keep an eye out for: North Texas Fisticuffs, Combat Sports TV, The UFFL and of course TXMMA.COM.
For anyone that is interested in donating for the cause that can’t make the event, you can do so at www.hopeforcash.blogspot.com.
Fight 4 Cash – 16-Man Tournament Bracket
Participating fighters include: Evan Cutts, Daymone Stephens, Hayward Charles, Braden Masters, Ali Llewi, Aaron Culpepper, Donnie Bell, Chris Jones, Eliazar Rodriguez, Rob Butler, Phillip Patterson, Casey Williams, Taren Pennell, Mark Delarosa, Daniel Trevino, and Victor Reyna.