Blog

Gwendolyn Honorary Vaquero Captain Tonight

August 31, 2012 by Victoria

Gwendolyn is so excited! Santa Barbara City College selected Gwendolyn to be their first Honorary Vaquero Captain for their football program this year. The game is tonight and you can come see her do the coin toss at 6:45pm!

You may remember she got to do this last year -- and boy did it leave an impression because when we talked to her about it this year she immediately started tapping and insisted we bring "Cheer Bear" and find her SBCC bow that the cheerleaders gave her last year.

Last night we were invited to join the team at La Playa Stadium so Gwendolyn could meet all the new players and cheerleaders. Gwendolyn was beyond thrilled. She loved watching the players run up and down the field and was mesmerized by the cheerleaders practicing their routine. (She was even moving her eyes and tapping along with them as they cheered.)

At the end of the practice, we all gathered together and Coach Moropoulos made a really uplifting speech to the team about Gwendolyn and her NEVER GIVE UP. spirit (he may have mentioned us too (blush)). Then Bill talked to the team about SMA, what we do, and how their support makes such a difference. And it is true -- there is something truly profound about challenging oneself physically for those who are physically challenged. Gwendolyn fights for every breath -- and yet she is so eager and happy through it all. The team did their final rally by cheering "1-2-3-GWEN." Gwendolyn's eyes got huge when she heard her name. And then she tapped feverishly as the hunky boys came over to greet her

The Honorary Vaquero Captain Program has been such a positive experience. Gwendolyn feels so special -- and that means everything to us. And it has allowed us to teach new people about SMA and what we are trying to do through the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation. Thank you SBCC!

Tonight's game is the first of the season! There will be BBQ, music and fun -- and the ocean views at La Playa Stadium are incredible! We'd love to see you. Game starts at 7:00 pm -- and Gwendolyn will be doing the coin toss at 6:45. Come say hi. We will be down on the field (pom poms in hand) cheering the Vaqueros on!

All photos courtesy of Kacie Jean Photography.

{UPDATE} Gwendolyn had an absolute blast on Friday! Click HERE to see all the photos.