Cindy (left) and Abbey Coleman
The Mason-Dixon conference is sending UVA, James Madison and Virginia Tech to the DI regional championships, but before that post-season mindset takes full control, the trio will convene for a philanthropic cause. Hosted by Virginia Tech in honor of a former teammate’s mother, Tackling ALS is a charity tournament that raises funds and awareness for the disease.
“Two years ago, Cindy Coleman, the mother of alumni and teammate Abbey Coleman, passed away from her fight with ALS,” Virginia Tech Community Service Chair Sarah Woynicz explained. “Over the past two years, we have engaged in not just supporting Abbey, but in finding a way to bring rugby and our community together to support those affected by this awful disease.”
In 2015, the team immediately raised $1,000 after Mrs. Coleman’s passing. In April 2016, Tackling ALS was born and featured VMI in a charity match that drew 100 spectators, Virginia Tech’s pep band, the Marching Virginians, and university president Timothy Sands and wife Dr. Laura Sands. The event raised $3,100, all of which was donated to the local VA/MD/DC Chapter of the ALS Association.
In its sophomore year, the event has expanded to include three nationals-bound teams and is collecting donations through its online fundraiser and t-shirt fundraiser. Again 100% of the proceeds will go to the ALS Association. The day begins at 12 p.m. Eastern, at the Virginia Tech Rugby Pitch (927 Research Center Dr.) in Blacksburg, Va.
Tackling ALS will remain a fixture on Virginia Tech’s schedule, and Abbey Coleman took the time to acquaint the rugby community with her mother, the previous few years, and her rugby team’s role during a difficult time:
I grew up as the sixth of seven kids. My mother home schooled all of us. If that doesn’t tell you how amazing and strong of a woman she was, then I don’t know what will. She was wonderful and happy and loved her family and the Lord. I never once heard her ask, “Why me?” or complain about anything at all.
To put this in perspective, ALS had taken away her speech, her ability to walk, eat, or use any other voluntary muscles at all. She laid in bed aware of everything and completely cognitive, but unable to do anything. But never once did she complain. All she did was smile and watch The Avengers (it was her favorite movie, we think she liked it for Thor).
When I joined rugby my junior year, my mom had already been sick for quite a while. My family and I were watching her fade and I was losing hope. I felt like there wasn’t anything in my life that I could really focus on to get me through, so I joined the team. I was looking for a distraction and something that would make me feel like I’d gained back some bit of control. I got so much more than I was looking for. I can honestly say that the women on the team saved my life. I was in a very bad place before I met them and everyone was welcoming and I made amazing friendships. I started feeling better immediately and would go home to visit mom and tell her all about everyone. She never got to see a game but I know she was proud, she would always be smiling and listening.
It got harder, as every time I went to visit, the disease had progressed and she continued to decline. I remember calling before going on a team bonding trip to the mountains and asking how she was doing. My dad said she had a really great week! I was happy to hear that and let him know I would be out of cell phone range over the weekend but would call on my way back.
She passed while I was on the trip. My boyfriend at the time drove to the mountain house to tell me because I couldn’t be reached. I was absolutely devastated. But I went back inside and was surrounded by my closest friends and teammates, who cried with me and held me and comforted me. I hope they all know what they mean to me. I could not have asked for better friends.
This fundraiser is so important to me and my family, and I’m so grateful to my team for putting it together and keeping my mother’s memory alive. ALS is an awful disease and no one should have to suffer through it or watch a loved one suffer it. It’s so important to get the word out about the disease and to help tackle ALS! Thank you from the Coleman family to everyone involved, we love and appreciate everything you do.