At Matrix Health, we recognize a special person
when we see one. Let us introduce you to Mr. Cedric Emanuel. Growing
up in Texas, near Houston, Mr. Emanuel has always been a sports
fan. His favorite sports are baseball and football. As a child,
he loved to play ball. As a young man, he looked forward to the
day that he would have a child to pass on his love for these sports.
As it was, Cedric and Mia, his now former wife,
had a son, whom they proudly named Cedric, Jr. Cedric, Jr., more
commonly referred to as C.J., was diagnosed shortly after his birth
with mild Factor VIII hemophilia. Three of Mia’s uncles also
had hemophilia. Unfortunately, Cedric and Mia were taken by surprise
when C.J. was diagnosed following his circumcision. Cedric remembers
feeling devastated after being told that his little son, C.J., would
never play sports. Knowing nothing about bleeding disorders, they
relied heavily on Mia’s uncle for education.
As a toddler, Cedric saw C.J. as a rough and tumble
kind of boy, much the same as he was as a young boy. C.J. was watched
closely to avoid any major injuries. As it happens with many young
boys with bleeding disorders, C.J. came home with a baseball sign-up
form. Having since remarried, Cedric and Charlotte, C.J.’s
new stepmother, promised C.J. that they would consider letting him
play baseball only after they spoke to his hematologist. Although
the dream of playing football was out, the doctor gave his approval
for C.J. to play baseball. Cedric was thrilled, as was his son!
Charlotte helped Cedric feel good about his decision by offering
to learn to infuse C.J. Her plan was to infuse him before every
game and to bring factor to each game, just in case. Cedric made
it his goal as a responsible father to really teach C.J. all about
the sport and to learn to avoid potential injuries.
So, the games began! Shortly after beginning to
play, Cedric noticed his son jumping and running out of the batter’s
box when the pitcher would draw back to release the pitch. A bit
confused at first, Cedric then realized that his son was afraid
of being hit by the ball. After seeing other kids get hit on their
side and back and then crying out of pain, C.J. knew he did not
want to get hurt. For him, getting hurt meant getting an infusion.
It broke Cedric’s heart to see C.J. so afraid. Cedric began
looking for something to help his son.
After searching for any kind of protective equipment
made for this reason, Cedric came up empty handed. Frustrated at
not finding anything usable, he decided to invent and produce his
own protection equipment. Thus, Batter’s Armor was born.
Batter’s Armor is a system of protection especially
made for children playing baseball and softball. It’s primary
piece is comprised of a protective vest. The vest absorbs up to
94% of the initial ball impact. It is designed to distribute impact
in much the same way as the bullet-resistant vests worn by the military
and police. More importantly, just by putting on the Batter’s
Armor gear, the batter is given a sense of self-confidence and reassurance
that they will not be hurt, even if they are hit with a fast pitch.
The batter knows that the impact of the ball will be cushioned by
the vest. This allows the young baseball player to focus on hitting
rather than getting hit.
“Often, we hear about some young child being
severely injured during baseball. With Batter’s Armor, kids
can play ball without being afraid. Parents have peace-of-mind and
can sit back and enjoy watching their child play. I hope to be able
to offer this product at a cost low enough so that every child,
with or without a bleeding disorder, can participate in one of the
greatest pastimes of our country in a safe and stress free manner.
Medicine and home infusion have come so far in making lives better.
I am dedicated to making a difference in the lives of these children
by doing all I can to promote a healthy, active lifestyle. I would
like to see every kid, especially those with bleeding disorders,
have fun and gain the confidence necessary as adults.
Undoubtedly, my son, C.J. is my inspiration for
everything I do. We encountered a problem with his hemophilia, so
we found a way around it.” Cedric Emanuel
If you are interested in learning more about Batter’s
Armor, please contact Mr. Cedric Emanuel directly at:
Batter’s Armor, Inc.
12115 Orleans Street • Crosby, Texas 77532
281-462-2029
Website: www.battersarmor.com
E-mail: battersarmor@aol.com
Please note: Matrix Health does not endorse the
use of any particular sports protective equipment and is not liable
for injuries that may occur with the use of such products. Speak
to your Hemophilia Treatment Center staff or other health care professionals
regarding the benefits and risks of using such a product.
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