Why We Started Palà-nte: The Story of RJ and David

It’s been a crazy year—full of amazing moments and tough challenges. Before we dive into all the details of what’s happened, we needed a reminder of our why. And we want to share that reminder with you through the story of RJ and David.

(Names have been changed for privacy.) 

How It All Started

As you may know from our journey, we placed our son in a soccer club that welcomed families from all economic backgrounds. It wasn’t just a team—it felt like a family. Our main goal was for our son to make new friends, so we naturally began connecting with other families. That’s when he met RJ.

As we built a relationship with RJ and his family, we began to see the struggles he faced every day. 

RJ’s Story

RJ is a talented young boy who absolutely loves soccer. If he’s not at practice, he’s playing barefoot in the streets or watching soccer videos whenever he gets the chance. He lives in one of the most dangerous barrios in Cartagena—so dangerous that Uber drivers refuse to go near it after 6 p.m.

There’s something special about RJ’s eyes. Behind them, you can see the weight of his hardships, but you can also see the innocent boy he truly is. His smile could melt your heart. On the field, he had the tough, street-smart look of a skilled player, but the moment he smiled, pure joy shone through. He was one of the best players on the team.

The first time we started to notice there was more to his story, was when we realized the little money he had for lunch he chose to use it to pay for transportation to practice—leaving him to starve the entire day. Over time, we watched his body grow thinner and weaker.

David’s Story

At first, we thought it was just RJ who was struggling. But then we learned that one of the older kids on the team—also a skilled player—was his older brother, David.

David eventually stopped coming to practice because his soccer cleats were too small. The only time he could play was when he borrowed a friend’s shoes, which were also too tight, but better than nothing. When you meet David, you can see the pain, shame, and anger in his eyes. But just like RJ, the moment he smiles, you catch a glimpse of the boy he really is.

At 15, he is at an age where it’s easy to get caught up in the streets, but all he wants to do is play soccer.

More Than Just a Game

As we got to know RJ and David outside the field, we learned more about their story. The times we would hang out with them, we saw a different side  as they would just be kids—playing games, soccer (of course), and their absolute favorite—swimming in the pool.

Their mom would not join us as much, and the times she did, we learned more about the family story. We learned that their father has been incarcerated since RJ was born, and that his mom is in and out of rehab. This past year they have been on and off in the care of his aunt, but eventually mom gets him back and of course they want to be with mom. Unfortunately when under her “care”, they would miss school or even meals.  

Eventually… They disappeared for several weeks.

When they finally returned to practice, we were in shock. Everyone was in tears.

They looked dangerously malnourished —bones visible, pale, weak, almost unrecognizable. At that point we realized that simply helping them with rides and game-day expenses wasn’t enough. They needed consistent access to food, vitamins, and a solid support system.

Stepping In to Help

Their coach took action, reaching out to their aunt. She also lives in an underprivileged barrio and is stretched thin, raising three children of her own. But she does what she can. We had a chance to meet her and learn her story, and as she shared, we saw the deep sadness in her eyes. Sadness for her sister, who is mentally unwell and unable to be the mother her boys need. Sadness for RJ and David, knowing how much they suffer. Sadness for wanting to do more, but not knowing how.

With the coaches, we put together a plan. The coach would tell them the club found a sponsor for the boys, to help cover their soccer tuition, transportation, and groceries. But the sponsors requested an accountability system to help support the boys and hold them accountable with getting to practice and showing up at games and also following up with the family. We were chosen by the coaches to be that support system.

The plan is:

• The club will continue to connect with sponsors like you through Palà-nte to provide the financial support.

• Their aunt will commit to the boys attending school, soccer practice and games, and making sure they eat healthy. 

• The boys will put their best effort forward: do good in school, commit to soccer, and do their best. 

• We would commit to be part of the boys routine: check in with soccer and school, and provide moral support for the boys and the aunt.

The goal is clear—keep them off the streets, keep them busy with soccer, keep them healthy enough to play, and continue giving them hope. 

What About Their Mom?

She is in a healing phase. We have tried to empower her by helping her build a résumé and connecting her to job opportunities—but only when she is physically and mentally ready. Right now, she needs to focus on getting better.

It’s easy to judge, but we choose not to. Everyone has a story. Instead of condemning her, we approach with curiosity—seeking to understand the root causes of her struggles.

But this story isn’t about her.

It’s about RJ and David.

Their lives are too precious to be wasted on the streets, caught up in gangs like so many of their peers. They deserve a chance.

Why Palà-nte Exists

RJ and David remind us why we started Palà-nte in the first place. This is more than soccer—it’s about saving a child’s life.

Without this soccer club and the generosity of donors like you, who knows what would have happened to these brothers? Who knows what forces might have gotten to them first—drugs, gangs, or even worse, exploitation?

As I (Melissa) write this, I am in tears knowing that RJ and David’s story is not unique. It is the story of so many children in our soccer club, in Cartagena, in Colombia, and around the world.

At times, it feels hopeless—but we choose hope.

We see hope in the families within the club who can contribute. We see hope in people like you, who can do something to change a child’s future.

How You Can Help

We understand—times are tough. Even buying eggs in the U.S. has gotten expensive, so asking you to sacrifice for people you don’t know may seem like a big ask.

But even the smallest contributions make a difference.

• A donation toward nutrition can feed boys and girls like RJ and David.

• A donation of soccer equipment can help kids play the game they love.

• A simple prayer for their well-being is powerful.

In Colombia, a dollar goes a long way. We hope you’ll consider becoming a Palà-nte Monthly Partner and help us continue this mission. Click HERE to donate.

What’s Next?

A whole year has passed, and there is so much to update you on—the struggles, why we paused this project, the incredible things that have happened. That update is coming next.

But for now, we couldn’t delay sharing RJ and David’s story any longer.

This is our why.

It’s not about money. It’s not about recognition.

It’s about saving lives.

Let’s keep moving Palà-nte!