BATTLE FOR THE PADDLE | Serving Up Community, Competition and Hope
This year’s event featured 120 players, more than 60 volunteers and a crowd of spectators, bringing total attendance to more than 200 people. Together, the community helped raise an incredible $45,000 to support the Brynn Wheeler Foundation and its mission of helping children with cancer and their families pursue hope, wholeness and a thriving life during treatment.
Jen and Jeremy Wheeler, bringing the community together for pickleball, purpose and Brynn.
The 2nd Annual Battle for the Paddle brought Mission Viejo together for a powerful day of pickleball, purpose and community support — all in honor of Brynn Wheeler and the foundation created in her name.
This year’s event featured 120 players, more than 60 volunteers and a crowd of spectators, bringing total attendance to more than 200 people. Together, the community helped raise an incredible $45,000 to support the Brynn Wheeler Foundation and its mission of helping children with cancer and their families pursue hope, wholeness and a thriving life during treatment.
The Brynn Wheeler Foundation was created in honor of Brynn Wheeler, a beloved Mission Viejo girl whose courage, joy and “always living” spirit continue to inspire everyone who knew her. Brynn’s family continues to call Mission Viejo home, and their story has touched countless neighbors throughout the community.
Just days after her seventh birthday, Brynn was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. During her five-year cancer journey, she endured intense treatments, relapses, surgeries and hospital stays, yet she continued to seek joy in everyday life — riding horses, playing soccer and volleyball, spending time with friends and family, and finding laughter even in difficult moments.
That spirit is at the heart of the foundation’s work today. Through programs, resources and support, the Brynn Wheeler Foundation helps children and families facing childhood cancer by caring for the whole child — medically, physically, emotionally, socially and mentally — while also empowering parents to advocate for their children with confidence.
Battle for the Paddle reflects that mission beautifully. What began as a pickleball tournament has quickly become a meaningful community gathering where fun and generosity meet. With full courts, enthusiastic players, dedicated volunteers, generous sponsors and families cheering from the sidelines, this year’s event showed what can happen when neighbors rally around a local family, a beautiful legacy and a cause that continues to inspire hope.
By Dane Bora | Photos by Pamela Musgrave Photography
Azione unlimited flagship meeting
This spring, members of Azione Unlimited turned their Flagship Meeting into an opportunity to give back. Together, they assembled care packages for families at Phoenix Children's Hospital and generously supported the mission of the Brynn Wheeler Foundation. Their compassion is a beautiful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together to serve others.
Thank you, Azione Unlimited, for your partnership.
Contact us if you are interested in being a corporate partner.