The Sharks will be sporting bright yellow and black socks in recognition of The Carty Boys Foundation when they take to the field on Sunday against the Cowboys.
The Carty Boys Foundation supports two Shire brothers and dedicated Sharks fans Dane and Matt Cartwright who have a debilitating and terminal illness known as ‘Juvenile Batten Disease’ (NCL).
Diagnosed at age seven the boys have since faced many challenges in their quest to live a full and happy life. Over time they will suffer from both physical and mental impairment, while at present the boys are experiencing many of the debilitating symptoms of this disease, including worsening seizures, erratic behaviour and progressive loss of sight and motor skills.
Now 16 and 13, the boys need ongoing care and medical assistance, with a collection and some fundraising initiatives to take place at the Sharks v Cowboys game, including a generous gesture by Sharks sponsor Luxbet to donate an initial $1,000, plus $500 per try scored by either team and $1,000 for each 40/20 kicked, again by either the Sharks or Cowboys.
Sharks Strength and Conditioning Coach Trent Elkin, instrumental in getting the special game day fundraising activity up and running, was very appreciative of Luxbet’s support.
“Let’s hope we win but 34-32 would be nice, with a couple of 40-20’s thrown in,” Elkin joked. “But seriously it is a generous offer for an extremely worthwhile cause and we thank Luxbet very much for their support.”
With both boys to eventually need full time carers and wheelchairs and the family needing modifications to their future home and car there will be even more ongoing medical bills, with The Carty Boys Foundation endeavouring to make their limited time as full and as comfortable as possible.
On game day spectators can show their support by making a donation, of any amount, to The Carty Boys Foundation volunteers – who will be difficult to miss in their bright yellow t-shirts.
The Sharks will also be auctioning off the players worn socks (as a pair) which will be signed individually by the 17 players who take the field in against the Cowboys.
Paul Gallen and Todd Carney will also both be signing their match worn boots and donate them for auction as the Sharks look to beef up the total donation figure to The Carty Boys Foundation. The link to the online auctions can be found on the Sharks home page or by clicking HERE.
Kylie Gorick, from The Carty Boys Foundation, commented; “We are overwhelmed by the support the Sharks have given the boys and with the money raised on the day we will be purchasing a wheelchair for Dane, we might even have to paint it black, white and blue!”
For more information or to make a donation you can visit The Carty Boys website on
www.thecartyboys.org.
