| Inspired by his favorite band, Imagine Dragons, Cooper Sandoval has used his talents in art, and wrestling, to help raise funds for patients and their families fighting pediatric cancer. Since 2018, Cooper started selling his artwork on wrestling singlets and other apparel. He also had sponsors who gave $1 for every pin he achieved, in wrestling, during the season. Therefore, more than $1000 was raised for the Tyler Robinson Foundation. |
| |
| The mission of The Tyler Robinson Foundation is to strengthen families, financially and emotionally–as they cope with the tragedy of a pediatric cancer diagnosis, by offsetting out-of-pocket life expenses. |
| |
| Cooper has a particular connection to pediatric cancer because his Uncle, Dr. Jacob Zucker, is Renown Hospital’s Pediatric Oncologist. “I actually get to meet the kids I am helping when I raise money for the Tyler Robinson Foundation and Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation,” says Sandoval. “I have gotten to see how much this money makes a difference.” |
| |
| In 2021, Cooper attended the Tyler Robinson “Rise Up” Gala and found himself on stage with the Imagine Dragon’s lead singer Dan Reynolds helping to raise $2.8 million dollars. “That night changed everything for me.” Sandoval attended the event with two families who had received support from Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation. “I knew I could do more for them, and so I created the Crush Cancer Black Light Wrestling Tournament”.
|
| |
| On January 9th, more than 1000 people in the wrestling community showed up in full support for the first annual “Crush Cancer Black Light Wrestling Tournament” at the Circus Circus. Athletes ages 4-15 competed, under Black lights, to raise money and awareness for the Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation. |
| |
$25,000 was raised and will be matched dollar for dollar by the William N. Pennington Foundation – A $50,000 impact!
The 2nd annual event is already being planned and expected to raise over $100,000 next year.
Crush Cancer Black Light Wrestling” on Facebook for photos of this year’s event and updates for next year.
|
| |
We give a Huge Shoutout to the following 2022 Sponsors
- City Of Reno
- Ferrell Gas
- Hunter Payroll Systems
- Nevada Elite Wrestling
- Renown Health
- Home NV
- Spruce Reno
- Caesars Entertainment
|
|
You can read more about Cooper by clicking on our Previous Athletes of the Month.
|
| Pictures and Content courtesy of the Annie Zucker |
