Coach Estrada was born with a congenital heart condition called transposition of the great vessels, sometimes termed ‘blue baby,’ and as a newborn his chances of survival weren't good. He had his first surgery at 20 months old and from that moment on, he started fighting, and he's never stopped doing what doctors said he never would: he grew up, like a normal kid, deciding early on that he wanted to play sports despite the risk it meant for his heart.
Before helping run and coaching Denver Dynamite, Chuck’s accolades include playing for both the United Systems of Independent Soccer Leagues (USISL) Premier Development Soccer League's Pikes Peak Stampede and the Southwest Indoor Soccer League (SWISL)'s Colorado Springs Rattlers from 1995-1996. In 1999 he was drafted by the Utah Freezz of the World Indoor Soccer League (WISL), where after being traded to Houston, it was discovered that his heart condition was destined to keep him from making his professional debut. But he didn’t let it stop him from perusing his dreams and living his life thru other avenues.
According to Charles, "I think one thing that helped me was that I was an athlete through high school, college and as a semi-professional. I am now on the leadership team for Mended Little Hearts. I help give support to young adults and teens along w support for the fathers who have Children w Congenital Heart Defects (CHD). My goal is to show families that just because your child had a CHD it doesn't mean that lives are over due to it.”
“In all the years I have known Chuck; I can definitely say that he is a true model of why winners never give up. Coach Estrada has been actively involved in helping others despite being on the transplant list for the past 13 months without luck. So yes, naturally, he gets anxious every time his phone rings thinking this could save his life: a call from University Hospital in Denver that they've found him a new heart” explains Mac Howell, Rocky Mountain Regional Manager for the PASL-Premier.
And because of this, the Dynamite understands that the Estrada family is going thru tough times and accordingly wants to help raise the necessary monies. One way the Dynamite have decided to do so, is sell a Family4Life season ticket package with all proceeds going back to the The Charles Estrada Heart Fund.
“The Family4Life package is a wonderful idea. Not only do the fans get a great price, but it is a way to help out someone in need. Basically buying this package is also giving a donation the The Charles Estrada Heart Fund. With knowing Chuck personally, we all know that he needs this fundraiser. He already has been on the transplant list for over the year. All we can do is play the waiting game. So all donations, such as this one, and charity will help out for future bills. It helps the Estrada family out in a major way.” Joseph Tolentino, Operations & Marketing Director.
Coach Estrada, Highlands Ranch Community Association & Everyone at the Denver Dynamite also want to remind everyone about the importance of being an organ donor.
The Dynamite continue to look at capturing their first Rocky Mountain Division, US Arena Open Cup and PASL-Premier championship titles when they open at home January 6th, 7:30PM at the Westridge Recreation Center in Highlands Ranch, CO. Single game tickets are also available for just $5 at the door for general admission and $1 for HRCA members. The Denver Dynamite will also be accepting donations, online or at the game, in any amount on behalf of the Estrada’s for those who can’t make the season commitment but still wish to help.
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