CFAF awards grant to Devon Gales Fund

LAS VEGAS, Nevada  -- The College Football Assistance Fund (CFAF) announced that a grant of $5,000 has been awarded to Southern University football player Devon Gales to help his family with travel and loss-of-income expenses after Devon was injured during a recent game.

Gales, a wide receiver from Baton Rouge, suffered a severe spinal injury on September 26, 2015 during the Southern-Georgia football game in Athens, GA. He underwent successful surgery the following day at Athens Regional Medical Center and has since been transferred to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta. Coincidentally, this is also where Ty Williams, who received a grant from the College Football Assistance Fund last week, is rehabilitating as well.

“You’re never prepared, emotionally or financially, for your son to suffer such a serious injury,” said Devon’s parents, Donny and Tanisha. “The support of the College Football Assistance Fund allows us to focus on Devon and his recovery, and not on how we’re going to afford being with him at such a critical time in his life.”

There has been an outpouring of support since Devon’s injury. Following the game, the University of Georgia flew Devon’s parents from Louisiana to Atlanta, then drove them to Athens Regional Medical Center. A few days later, Southern University set up a fund to help with medical expenses.

“In football, we’re a tight-knit community, and you really feel for the player and his family in this situation,” said CFAF Board Member and Super Bowl XX MVP Doug Williams. “This is the whole reason for the College Football Assistance Fund – to be ready to help families in need.”

Medical and non-medical expenses for the family will continue to rise for many months, meaning fundraising efforts must continue. Those able to assist the
family can make donations atwww.CFAFund.org, which will be put in a restricted fund for Devon.

ABOUT CFAF

The College Football Assistance Fund (CFAF) is a non-profit tax-exempt organization dedicated to the support of football players. Assistance is provided to ease the burden of medical costs associated with injuries such as joint replacement, spine treatment, neurological care and other related expenses.

The CFAF was established in 2010 by a group of collegiate coaches and athletic administrators concerned about the limited resources available to injured football players. Major donors include some of today’s top college football coaches and Bowls.

For more information about CFAF, please visit www.CFAFund.org.

COURTESY SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS