Against All Odds - Kamea Medora
Tax deductible
It is rare that I write asking for financial support, but this is a special case. This is the true story of grit and determination of an 18-year-old named Kamea Medora, who is pursuing her lifelong dream of becoming a professional tennis player. It reminds me of when Melanie Oudin reached the US Open quarterfinals at age 17 in 2009 - this journey has similar potential.
I firmly believe in the power of synchronicity and how the universe guides people on their unique paths. Kamea's story illuminates one such incredible connection.
Nearly 8 years ago, I received a call from a family in Hawaii who had a young girl with a talent for tennis. When I went to host an event in Hawaii with Murphy Jensen, I finally met her - her name was Kamea Medora. We hit together - she had a great passion for the game but was only 10. We all had dinner, but unfortunately, our foundation lacked the resources to help at the time. We exchanged a few emails, and that was the last I heard from her and her family.
Last week, while traveling in Italy, I posted asking if anyone knew of red clay courts in Como. To my surprise, Kamea responded that she now lives and trains there! When we hit the next morning, the fully grown 18-year-old shared her journey over the past 10 years:
Born to parents who left their dreams of professional snowboarding
- Grew up tenting in Hawaii, continuing a nomadic lifestyle
- Found solace in sports, gravitating to tennis and surfing
- A Russian player mentored her amid financial hardships, kindling her passion
- Met me in Hawaii at 10 - my foundation couldn't help then
- The family moved to Vegas seeking better training, facing squatters and violence
- Mom faced life-altering surgery.
- The family moved to California to survive the pandemic
- Maintains a 4.0 GPA despite adversity
- At 16, while coping with an unhealthy and unstable home environment, she made the brave decision to leave home and discovered a tennis academy in Europe that offered her training in exchange for work.
- Used all her savings for a one-way ticket to pursue her dream
- Currently, she is in a safe environment outside of Como Italy working and training at an academy and living with her friend Elana Grekul and training partner.
Kamea's story is still in progress. I have decided to help her by asking my network to support her journey in going pro and hopefully inspiring others who are pursuing their dreams against all odds.
The National Tennis Foundation has agreed to match donations dollar-for-dollar. This isn't just about tennis - it's about courage, resilience and never giving up.
If her story resonates, please consider lending your support by donating. Every bit helps Kamea on her journey.
Kamea currently has $500 to her bank account but is in a safe environment, and is seeking additional funds for living expenses and entering future tennis tournaments in Europe. We will also hire top US coach Frank Salazar to provide virtual coaching and training pro bono. We will also use the funds to support a parallel campaign to explore college next year, hopefully on a tennis scholarship, as a backup plan.
If you would like to meet Kamea and talk with her and hear her journey I can also arrange a call so you can meet this incredible athlete and person.
Thanks for your consideration.
Organizer
Remington Reynolds
Organizer
Atlanta, GA
National Tennis Foundation
Beneficiary