Talmage Brown for NSW CHS

Dear family & friends,

Welcome to my son Talmage's fundraising page.

For those who don't know, Talmage otherwise fondly nicknamed "Mesi" (i.e., short for Talamesi or Kalamesi as his Samoan name) has made it into the New South Wales Combined High Schools (NSW CHS) team, with 19 other young handsome boys to rep NSW.

My son's ordinary story is not one filled with easy pathways and without challenges. In fact, Mesi only recently just recovered from surgery and was nearly not going to play.

However, I saw this boy rise from what was almost impossible, to set his mind and heart on a goal he remained unwavering on. Undeterred by the prospect of not playing and not recovering in time, I saw Mesi get up nearly every day without fail to workout at home when he could barely walk, rehabilitate at the gym, go to physio and diligently pursue every small, daily and weekly goal he set for himself. He was determined and no matter how much he was told not to get his hopes up, this boy had his heart and mind set on what seemed like the unreachable.

Less than two weeks before the comp and trials for CHS, Mesi started running and barely played his first club game when forces outside of his control pulled him out of the comp questioning his readiness. However, God really does open doors and guides you to people who love and support you.

Less than a week leading up to the CHS comp Mesi was approved to play. Nevertheless, his hardships didn't end there. Even during the tough competition for selection, he fell ill and had so many moments of doubt, yet Mesi still played through, with all his heart and might. He even told me that he and his teammates would pray before every single game without fail (and btw they won all their games). Mesi knows deep in his soul that God provided a way and saw him through. And now as he preps to go to Port Macquarie on 22 September 2023 (through to the comp's end on 29 September) we humbly seek support from our family, friends and the wider community. Also because Mesi says he still hasn't been hired by Maccas or KFC despite the many times he's applied for work to start saving .

In all seriousness, glory to God our Heavenly Father for his blessings and opening so many opportunities.

Thank you for reading through Mesi's short story and we sincerely appreciate any contributions. All donations will go towards Mesi's player levy fees, team apparel, travel and accommodation.

Much Love,

Mel & Mesi (Talmage Liahona Brown)❤

P.s. you can view a short video of Mesi here: https://youtube.com/shorts/_bszC_l8M8Q?feature=share