Friends of Genie

May 14, 2006 - Mother's Day; The Philippine Basketball Association's (www.pba.ph) Purefoods and Red Bull ball clubs were battling it out on the hardcourt when 25-year-old Eugene Tejada took a fall that will forever be immortalized in the memories of those that witnessed it. As he hit the ground and the sound of his back cracking resonated across the court, millions of viewers across the nation held their breath, waiting for Eugene to get back up again, anticipating the applause that so often accompanies a fallen athlete rising after a spill. Forty minutes passed until Eugene was lifted off the floor. Two months passed until he regained control of his left hand, and was able to sit at a 90 degree angle. Until today, Eugene is unable to walk.We encourage you to participate in our project "Step By Step - The Eugene Tejada Fundraiser", to aid us in raising more than $200, 000 to cover Eugene's rehabilitation expenses, for merely the first two months. Be it $1 or $1000, any assistance brings us, and our dear friend, one step closer to reaching our goal.Eugene has promised us to keep his head up, and has accepted the challenge ahead of him. We urge you to do the same. One step at a time, we are committed to conquering all struggle with hope, generosity, dedication, faith, and love. UPDATE 12/14: GENE IS STANDING! Thank you to all those that believed and continue to believe in him - he said he'd do it, and he is - STEP BY STEP