Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus said he would start his own foundation only after he found a cause he was immensely passionate about. That cause, Mr. Mercilus discovered, is helping the families of children with disabilities, according to For the Win.
Mr. Mercilus said the foundation, WithMerci, was inspired by his trips to visit children and their families as part of his community work with the team. The goal of the foundation, said Mr. Mercilus, is to help families of children with disabilities cover the costs associated with medical equipment and to advocate for their cause, according to the article.
Mr. Mercilus said the next step is to raise funds for the foundation.
"[Families of children with disabilities are a] group of people I feel…don't have much of a voice and [are] not really seen as people who need that much help," said Mr. Mercilus. "I kind of just fell in love with just trying to be someone who could be a voice to them and help them out."