Our Beloved Tennis Instructor, Renato Figueiredo

Our beloved and ever-so-talented tennis instructor, Renato Figueiredo, desperately needs our help…

For those who frequent Woodfield’s tennis facility, you have likely encountered--or perhaps were even more fortunate in getting to know--our very special Renato. Until late May of this year, Renato was a full-time employee of Woodfield. Often seen driving around in a service cart until late in the evening, Renato took great pride in maintaining the courts and, whenever possible, providing tennis instruction. Although Renato is both humble and reserved, anyone fortunate enough to have taken a lesson from him will attest to his uncanny ability to identify shortcomings in one’s game and recommend, with precision, adjustments that often were transformative in nature. Renato not only has a keen understanding of tennis but also a passion for the game, and nothing gave him greater pleasure and enthusiasm than to be able to share his knowledge with others. It may come as a surprise to know that this 59 year old fellow—the dust on whose clothes might give the impression that he spent more of his life working on courts than playing on them—was in his earlier years a touring pro who reached a ranking in the top 500 in the world. And, for those of you who came to know Renato, you can also attest to the valuable insights on life gained from his experiences which he shared with you.

Early June was a turning point for Renato. While he was able to purchase a home close to his job at Woodfield, he was diagnosed only days after with Stage 4 lung cancer. Within 72 hours of receiving his diagnosis, he also received news from Woodfield that he would no longer be involved with court maintenance but that he could continue to teach tennis. Only then having limited hours of tennis instruction, Renato immediately lost his status as a full-time employee and was notified that his benefits (including the provision of health insurance) would terminate at the end of August. With his deteriorating health condition, he is not able to work. He just received his second round of chemotherapy and, as is characteristic for Renato, he remains in good spirit with a positive outlook.

Renato, however, is in genuine need of financial help to cover ongoing medical expenses and costs of living. He is without family in the US, his 2 young daughters living in his native country of Brazil. Any contribution that you can make will be of tremendous benefit and no doubt greatly appreciated.