Our nonprofit is honored to jump-start Coach CJ Hendricks’ fundraiser with a $1,000 donation that will benefit South Brunswick Public Schools’ Special Olympics Unified programs and a courageous district student living with an incurable disease

C.J. Hendricks, who teaches health and physical education at South Brunswick High School, where he is also the head varsity baseball coach, is raising money for two special causes within the school district through his participation in the 49th annual Long Beach Island Commemorative 18 Mile Run.

Hendricks is entering the event, which will be held Oct. 10 in Long Beach Township, with a fundraising goal of $18,000 – or $1,000 per mile – to be divided among two beneficiaries close to his heart.

All donations will benefit South Brunswick Public Schools’ Special Olympics Unified Sports programs and Ray Fantel, a courageous South Brunswick middle school student living with an incurable and terminal genetic disease.

Hendricks spent the past 15 years teaching at Crossroads South Middle School, South Brunswick’s lone Special Olympics Unified Champions School, which prides itself on highlighting the abilities of all students including those with autism and multiple disabilities.

Hendricks’ own son, who is on the autism spectrum, and Fantel, diagnosed at five months of age with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1 – a rare degenerative neuromuscular disease that results in severe muscle weakness and limited mobility – inspired his fundraising efforts.

“I am an educator, coach, motivator and most importantly, a father to two beautiful children,” Hendricks said. “One of my ultimate passions is to work with my son Jayden to strengthen his love for learning and engaging with his peers. Like many others, Jayden has autism. As my son gets older, I watch and support his learning; his abilities continue to amaze me.”

Hendricks’ son and Fantel have benefited immensely from Special Olympics style programs such as those South Brunswick Public Schools conducts for students in grades 6 through 12.

The district’s programs include Unified Bowling, Track & Field, Lunch Buddies, Game Club, Aerobics, and other school-wide inclusive activities.

“I am fortunate to work in a school that sets the expectation for inclusive education,” Hendricks said. “My school’s environment permits children, just like my son, to feel included, cherished and encouraged.”

Those interested in supporting Hendricks’ fundraising efforts can donate online or contact him directly via email (carlos.hendricks@sbschools.org).