Small Victories Foundation Volleys For A Cause

By Cristina Folsom

Reporting Texas TV

AUSTIN, Texas – A local charity raised money on Sunday, Oct. 22 at Moontower Saloon for brain injury survivors to connect with arts experiences through Volley for Victories. 

People donated money to participate in a volleyball tournament and bought raffle tickets in hopes of winning prizes while supporting the cause. 

Austin resident Sean Kluge said although it was a smaller turnout than past years, they’re helping people who are going through a challenging time.

“That’s kind of what we should do as a community: help reach out and help people,” Kluge said.

Small Victories Foundation provides classes for brain injury survivors to heal through learning various forms of art. It is entirely donation based. 

It hosted a smaller version of Volley for Victories in 2021, but this year there weren’t any COVID-19 restrictions. President Lindsay Heath said the organization raised $2,000 by bringing the annual fundraiser back, exceeding its goal of $1,500. 

“Not being able to get together for a long time definitely impacted our fundraising, so we’re happy to be back now that we can gather again,” Heath said.  

Donors participate in the Volley for Victories volleyball tournament in Austin, Texas, on Saturday, Oct. 22. (Photo: Cristina Folsom, Reporting Texas TV)

Kristopher “Superman” McCoy is a traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivor who took classes at Small Victories to learn how to play the piano, throw pottery and practice Tai Chi.

McCoy was beaten in 2016 after coming out as a transgender man. His assailants shattered his jaw with the butt of a shotgun and sexually assaulted him. He is mute following a reconstructive jaw surgery and now communicates by text. 

Kristopher McCoy suffered a traumatic brain injury and a broken jaw in an attack after he came out as a transgender man.  (Photo courtesy: Kristopher McCoy)

McCoy said the foundation gave him a safe space to develop motor skills and interact with others as he relearned how to do everyday tasks.

“To have people help support and donate to this foundation is so great to be able to continue to help those who are starting life all over again,” he said. 

He said traumatic brain injuries cannot be seen, so he believes it’s important to share his story with the world. 

“These events are extremely helpful to show the world that people with TBIs are just as important as those with disabilities that can be seen, because you cannot see a TBI. We need more events like these to bring awareness,” he said.