Photo courtesy of LeGrand Coffee Shop Ten years ago, Eric LeGrand’s life was forever changed when he experienced a life-altering spinal cord injury on the Rutgers football field. Team LeGrand of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation was established in 2013; proceeds go toward research to find a cure for paralysis and helping improve the quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries. LeGrand Coffee House will be located in Eric LeGrand’s hometown of Woodbridge, New Jersey. On October 16, 2010, LeGrand suffered a severe spinal cord injury during a game against Army in East Rutherford, New Jersey, at MetLife Stadium. It’s typical to avoid individuals and institutions related to an incident. The Giants, Jets, Mets, Red Bulls and Red Sox all contributed items. In light of the arrests and suspensions, losses and court dates related to the Rutgers football program, Eric LeGrand, the former defensive tackle who is working to walk again, acknowledged the need to attract positive attention to the program. Eric LeGrand is an activist and advocate for for individuals living with spinal cord injury and paralysis. While the initial prognosis was grim, Eric demonstrated his tenacity and strength by shattering all expectations for his recovery and rehabilitation. In year two, they took in more than $42,000. He considers the dinner a special occasion for all involved. He is a Rutgers University football star who, in October 2010, sustained a spinal cord injury at his C3- C4 vertebrae during a game at MetLife Stadium. The count of funds raised from this fantastic night totals almost $49,000! His life would have been so much different if he was driving to the game and not on the field. LeGrand, a star Rutgers football player, suffered a severe injury during a tackle in 2010. LeGrand has since finished his degree, published a book (Believe the Victorious Story of Eric LeGrand), worked as a sports analyst and motivational speaker, and is now trying his hand as a coffee shop owner. To commemorate his journey, LeGrand is rallying supporters to raise funds for his personal and philanthropic mission -- cures for spinal cord injury. "Almost instantaneously, upon mentioning Eric, people say, 'Whatever you need. SNY's Chris Carlin will serve as the emcee for the night. Mr. Eric LeGrand. LeGrand Coffee House Debuting with Online Store; Coffee Shop to Open Later this Year in Woodbridge. Register for this year's 10th Annual A Walk to Believe – Virtual 5K Run, Walk & Roll on June 6, 2020. A fund named “BELieve” has been set up by the Rutgers Scarlet Knight family with proceeds going to Eric LeGrand and his family. The “BELieve” foundation has raised proceeds through selling sporting apparel stitched with LeGrand’s name and number (52) as well as hosting numerous sporting events in LeGrand… In 2013, he launched Team LeGrand, a fundraising arm of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation dedicated to supporting quality of life initiatives and accelerating the discovery of treatments and cures for spinal cord injuries. The book is about a kid named Eric Legrand who loved to play football. At the on-campus stadium in Piscataway, high above the playing field, his No. He was able to pull off his annual “A Walk to Believe” 5K charity run in 2020 despite coronavirus restrictions. Eric said, ”I designed these … and a part of the proceeds are going back to the Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation to find a cure for paralysis.” Rutgers Scarlet Knight created a fund named “bELieve.” All the proceeds are going to LeGrand and his family. Still chartered the Still Strong Foundation with his daughter, Leah, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma in June 2014. Following a recent launch of his own coffee business and online shop, Eric LeGrand officially announced that the brick-and-mortar location of LeGrand Coffee House will be as part of a new development at 10 Green Street in his hometown of Woodbridge, N.J. “It has been hard to keep the … There is also one word that appears. That insight from a young man to help others is what makes him and that smile so contagious.”. Donations came in from across the tri-state sports scene, both from locals and organizations. Three years later in 2013, humbled by the outpouring of support from around the nation, LeGrand decided to form a charity. ‘Fly high, sis’: Friends mourn Brooklyn mom and two beloved daughters killed in birthday shooting spree, Midwin Charles, CNN and MSNBC legal analyst, dead at 47, Denver COVID vaccine site temporarily shuts down after 18 people have serious side effects, ‘That wasn’t just a hug’: Cuomo staffer who claimed governor groped her details alleged incident in new report, ‘Horrific’: Brooklyn ex-con kills girlfriend and her 2 daughters as his own daughter hides in terror on her ninth birthday, Woman spews anti-Asian hate at Manhattan salon workers — and Asian plainclothes cop who then arrests her, Tourist dies after getting stuck in window at Florida Keys resort, World’s longest nails record-holder gets them cut after almost 30 years, Missing 19-year-old California woman found dead, SEE IT: Shaquille O’Neal pays for engagement ring young man was buying at jewelry store, Actor back to work after traumatic attack on subway train, Brooklyn man charged in two anti-Asian attacks, Trump Organization hires criminal defense lawyer for Manhattan DA probe, SEE IT: ‘Godzilla,’ aka a giant monitor lizard, stops at a 7-Eleven in Thailand, claws its way up the shelves, ‘New Yorkers don’t live in fear’: De Blasio fires blanks as homicide rate spikes in March, tourist takes bullet in Times Square, Georgia man who was paid in 91,000 greasy pennies saved from ‘coinundrum’ by Coinstar, SEE IT: LSU alums donate $50,000 to former cook at frat house to pay off her mortgage in heartwarming video, Andrew Yang goes on defensive at teachers’ union forum for NYC mayoral candidates, Spring breaker drugged, raped and left for dead identified as 24-year-old Philadelphia woman. He has really embraced his role.". He played pop Warner. Meanwhile, the future of his alma mater and Rutgers football is always close to mind for LeGrand, who is excited with the appointment of President Jonathan Holloway and Schiano’s return. There are reminders of LeGrand's influence at Rutgers games, both at home and on the road. An autographed Matt Harvey jersey will also elicit bids. James Kratch may be reached at jkratch@njadvancemedia.com. Devon Still – a standout defensive lineman who played at Penn State from 2008-11 – had LeGrand on his podcast last summer to discuss a number of topics. 14 talking about this. The most recent success: A virtual “A Walk to Believe” due to the novel coronavirus that raised a record-setting $189,000 with participants from all 50 states and places as far-flung as Australia and Ireland. "Eric's a unique individual. "LIKE" US HERE. I am a proud supporter of organizations such as the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation as well as the Eric Legrand Believe Foundation CDC delays release of guidelines easing restrictions for vaccinated … His foundation, Team LeGrand —a fundraising arm for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation—has raised more than a million dollars toward finding a cure for … Eric LeGrand is still heavily involved with the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. Unfortunately, Ariana suffered a spinal cord injury and has since been a quadripligic. 52 stands alone. Garutti noted one donation streamed in from Spain via Facebook. Eric speaks about his love of football, his injury and perseverance, and his foundation, Team LeGrand. When the Coronavirus forced him to cancel the 2020 walk, he took the event online instead. LeGrand also hosts a yearly “Walk to Believe” event through the Christopher Reeve Foundation. ", RUTGERS INTERIM COACH: 'PROGRAM ISN'T OUT OF CONTROL'. Eric LeGrand is opening LeGrand Coffee House in Woodbridge next summer. I have researched her condition and the many complications that she suffers from due to the inital injury. LeGrand’s team for the event will be sponsored by Samsung, and he is asking his supporters to wear his newest “bELieve 52” shirt, which can purchased here in collaboration with Shop Fifty Two and Rutgers Athletics. A Walk To Believe is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization. Welcome to the official website of entrepreneur, motivational speaker, sports analyst, author and philanthropist Eric LeGrand. He runs a fundraiser for spinal cord research called Team LeGrand, which you can donate to here. LeGrand is still a New Jersey legend. "We definitely need some," LeGrand said. As a philanthropist, motivational speaker, sports analyst, entrepreneur, and role model to so many, Eric, 30, has turned nearly every obstacle in his life into an opportunity. The list of Rutgers individuals giving back includes former defensive backs Devin and Jason McCourty, wideout Tim Wright, tailback Brian Leonard and linebacker Khaseem Greene. Former Rutgers football player Eric LeGrand will attend a dinner to raise money for his foundation. Rutgers legend Eric LeGrand needs our help and we wanted to spread the word, as Sunday will mark the 7th annual “A Walk To Believe” fundraising event for Team LeGrand of … Nov. 3, 2017. “The thing that impressed me most about Eric is that when I visited him at Kessler, he was more struck in helping the other young man who didn’t have the care and resources he did,” said Peter Wilderotter, the president and CEO of the Reeve Foundation. He has inspired countless people with his infectious “anything is possible” attitude. Show full articles without "Continue Reading" button for {0} hours. Eric’s Team LeGrand, the Reeve Foundation’s team and the Newroads team make an amazing Team together! The Believe Fund's goal was/is to raise money to support the paralyzed player as he undergoes medical treatment for the injury he suffered against Army. Eric LeGrand Makes Students Believe Former Rutgers University collegiate athlete and inspirational speaker Eric LeGrand brought his story Believe #52 to Frelinghuysen Middle School students on January 31st. Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article. He said in the book that he is really good at … © 'He in an inspiration.' In the first year, they raised $24,500. He will speak with Morristown High School in June. They have his number emblazoned across the front and back. In 2013, he launched Team LeGrand, a fundraising arm of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. A highlight of this year's auction will be a Fenway Park experience. The inaugural Reeve Run and Roll will launch Saturday, running Oct. 17-25. LeGrand will absorb all interest from fans Thursday. Although additional details are being kept under wraps, the establishment won’t be far from Eric LeGrand "Believe" Park, a handicapped accessible playground in Avenel dedicated in 2016. LeGrand Coffee House Opening this Year at New Development Located at 10 Green Street. Let me know how I can help,'" Garutti said. "Our goal going in originally was to raise $5,000 or so," said Garutti, who was in attendance at the game when LeGrand was paralyzed. A Walk to Believe, benefiting Team LeGrand of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, Eric LeGrand Believe Fund, and Rutgers University Spinal Cord Injury Project, highlights the importance of funding research and quality of life initiatives for the nearly … Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Rutgers' Eric LeGrand has been charitable force in last 10 years, with more to come. Team LeGrand, a fundraising initiative of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, has raised approximately $2 million for spinal cord injury research and to support individuals and families impacted by paralysis over the last 10 years following LeGrand’s injury in the 2010 Rutgers-Army game. Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com/nj.com/TNS. The night will be 15 days before the five-year mark since LeGrand was paralyzed from the neck down while making a tackle for Rutgers in the Meadowlands. Believe, as in his inspirational motto. I truly believe that I have found my purpose in life and that is to motivate and influence. LeGrand earns money from his sponsors and donations. LeGrand announces that his foundation has topped the $1 million mark in money raised … After Capitol riot, Democrats are torn over working with the G.O.P. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here. Gifts for LeGrand and his foundation continue to trickle in from across the country and overseas. There is nothing that can stop Eric LeGrand. Eric LeGrand has launched his own coffee brand, officially opening LeGrand Coffee House on Tuesday.The company debuted with an online store, and developments are currently underway to open a coffee shop in his hometown of Woodbridge later this year. – Nick Romanenko. The winner will get four seats by the field and a private tour of the premises. Eric LeGrand wants to serve customers a "daily cup of believe" at his coffee shop. Scheduled to open in late summer 2021, we will be sourcing extraordinary coffees from a local roaster and serve traditional baked goods and food items. Jake Walford April Book Report For my April book report, I decided to do a non fiction book called Believe: Young readers Edition. LeGrand is scheduled to address the crowd Thursday night. The organization provides grants to families affected by childhood cancers, allowing them to spend less … Team LeGrand. There are also black and red T-shirts seen in the crowds at each contest. John Munson | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. About My name is Eric LeGrand, and in 2010, I was paralyzed playing college football for Rutgers University. On a kickoff to Army, LeGrand unintentionally put his head down while running and ended up driving the crown of his head into the shoulder of the ball carrier, Malcolm Brown. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. So, while the global pandemic is daunting, to borrow from Training Day, “King Kong ain’t got sh** on Eric LeGrand.” To date, Team LeGrand has raised nearly $2 million to … The Rutgers Division of Intercollegiate Athletics announced the establishment of the "Eric LeGrand Believe Fund" to support me and my family. One of his trainers, Buffy, will also be there to detail part of LeGrand's physical efforts during therapy that he does multiple times per week. Eric LeGrand was down in the dumps -- and that, as everyone who knows him can attest, is extremely unusual. A portion of the proceeds go to the Reeve Foundation. “He recognized that he was injured on the field and therefore had great coverage. Eric LeGrand – Net Worth. "It's been a rough time. ©2020 NJ Advance Media Group, Edison, N.J. Visit NJ Advance Media Group, Edison, N.J. at www.nj.com. Support Eric LeGrand and the 5.6 million people living with paralysis. It says, simply, "BELIEVE.". With close to six million Americans living with some form of paralysis, including 1.3 million spinal cord injuries, Eric harnessed the national spotlight he attracted from his injury to give back to the community and inspire those living with and impacted by paralysis to bELieve. Eric LeGrand 'Believe Fund' is launched by Rutgers to benefit paralyzed player. Like us on Facebook to see similar stories, 5 people dead, including 2 children, in South Carolina mass shooting. The money will be used as my family sees fit. Eric LeGrand received his degree in labor and employment relations at the Rutgers University Commencement on May 18, 2014. FOLLOW THE DAILY NEWS SPORTS ON FACEBOOK. Women's World Cup star Carli Lloyd also contributed. We continue to exceed our own expectations and the last four years have brought in … Eric LeGrand's Bio In October 2010, Rutgers University football star, Eric LeGrand, sustained a spinal cord injury at his C3 and C4 vertebrae during a fourth quarter play at MetLife Stadium. Ronald Garutti and Jason Newcomb, partners at Newroads Financial Group and Rutgers alumni, came up with the idea to honor LeGrand and attract attention to his ongoing fundraising three years back. Eric LeGrand, the former defensive tackle who is working to walk again, acknowledged the need to attract positive attention to the program. Photo by Jeffrey Auger. The event is in honor of Rutgers football legend Eric LeGrand, who suffered a spinal cord injury on October 16, 2010 that paralyzed him. Team LeGrand was launched in September 2013 as a fundraising arm for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation to carry forward … LeGrand was credited with the tackle, but he lay on the ground for several minutes before being carted off, unable to move anything but his head and unable to breathe. They pay every cent of the event's costs so that all proceeds go directly to LeGrand's foundation, which is called Team LeGrand of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. For the third consecutive year, an event hosted by two Rutgers season-ticket holders will be held at Fiddler's Elbow Country Club in Bedminster, N.J. LeGrand and his mother, Karen, will be on hand, and tickets are going for $100 per person. LeGrand’s many accomplishments are even more impactful considering that the response to trauma is often distance. He had big plans for his 10th annual Walk To Believe, a …