We made a friend in the Dominican Republic named Sylvester. He is a strong 16 year old boy with the body and soul of a man because of the challenging life he has lived. Sylvester and his family live in a poor sugarcane village in a 6 x 12 foot home with no electricity, no running water, no cooking facilities and little hope. He spoke to us in broken English telling us that he has a dream to speak our language and visit our country. He wants to study medicine and become a doctor in his country. Naturally, we were impressed. We have assisted our friend Sylvester several times, but recently we noticed something dramatic. The first time we met, there was a heaviness to his spirit. There was an emptiness to his eyes. It was as if he knew that the low-paying, rigorous work was his likely destiny. Now his eyes are brighter and reflect a new hope as we help him open the windows of opportunity. At the April 10, 2010 race, Sylvester ran hard and with great form and was asked by a local athletic coach if he would like to be trained free-of-charge.

The people of this nation are running a fierce race; a race against the sugarcane. Who will win? Will it be the cane that shades their opportunity or will it be the light inside of them that promises a brighter future?

Racing the Cane was organized to help impoverished Dominican children win their race. We will provide hope before the ever-growing plantations choke it out completely. Sylvester is winning his race. We are committed to helping many more children do the same.