The University of St. Thomas-Houston is excited to announce that the Celts to Cure fundraiser is returning for the Spring 2022 athletic season. This event is dedicated to UST alumnus David Gonzalez '20, who is diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a genetic disorder that breaks  down muscle tissue in one out of 3,500 young men. Celts to Cure is tied to Coach to Cure, a  program that raises awareness about Duchenne through sports involvement and communities.

"We are so honored to host Celts to Cure and support our fellow UST family member David Gonzales. David is one of our own, we are lucky to have him on our team." UST Athletic Director Todd Smith added. "This year we have partnered C2C with our final baseball doubleheader of the year. It will be a beautiful day where we can raise money and educate people about  Duchenne MS." 

Partnering with the UST Celt baseball team is a first. The event is  scheduled for April 30, 2022, as the Celts face Centenary in a doubleheader at the University of  Houston. Throughout the game from 12:30 - 3 p.m., individuals will have the opportunity to support this campaign  through donations and t-shirt sales. Also, Gonzalez will be on hand speaking to  audience members about how they can make a difference. 

"My family and I are looking forward to the opportunity to engage with the UST community once again, now that it is safer to attend events in person," Gonzalez said. "Celts to Cure has always been a wonderful opportunity to work with the members of the community to do something good and cultivate friendships along the way. We look forward to continuing to grow together with the UST community!"

Celts to Cure was first created by Gonzalez when he reached out to Smith. They discussed how Coach to Cure is done through a football game between a  school's players and a sports team composed of people who are affected by MD. However,  since UST does not have a football team, the department got creative. So Celts to Cure has  partnered with the UST Celt basketball teams in order to fundraise. It began in conjunction with  each team's senior night, and at the conclusion of the men's game UST student athletes would  play power soccer against Gonzalez's team, the Houston Fireballs. Power soccer is played  using motorized wheelchairs and large soccer balls. 

Each time the athletics department has participated in Celts to Cure, it has been a success. This  year looks to be the biggest event yet in partnership with our baseball team and UST Campus  Initiatives. 

“It's always special when you get to take part in something that means more than just the game of baseball,” Head Baseball Coach David Wood added. "We are excited and more than honored to take part in such a special event. Hopefully, we are able to bring attention and joy to David and those around us."

Celts to Cure will take place at the University of Houston's Darryl & Lori Schroeder Park, April  30, 2022, as baseball faces SCAC opponent Centenary. First pitch for game one is at 1 p.m., and game 2 will follow at 4 p.m.