MIAMI – For Caroline Nava and her long-time boyfriend, Miami Heat forward Duncan Robinson, a game of padel brings out the smiles and the fun.
But when Nava hits the court on March 1 for her second annual Smash the Silence charity event, it will bring out the memory of a day that changed her family’s life forever.
It was back in 2022 when Nava’s father, Robert, suffered multiple strokes while the family was in Mexico to watch Robinson and the Heat play.
Since that moment, Nava’s family has come together to help her dad in every way possible in his recovery.
It has also sparked a mission for Nava to start the padel event, which this year will raise money to provide grants for stroke victims’ much needed therapy though the Stroke Foundation.
Nava said that the moments following her father’s stroke were scary, but she got help from the Heat and NBA to get him the right care quickly.
“A lot of emotions, but so grateful to have those resources there,” she explained.
Now the focus is the get those impacted by similar situations the proper care and treatment.
Last year the first event raised just under $60,000 and this year the goal is to raise around $100,000.
Nava described her goal in putting the event together again.
“If I can bring awareness as the daughter of someone who survived a stroke,” she said. “It’s possible to get rehab and get better.”
The second annual Smash the Silence will take place at Ultra Padel in Miami on Saturday, March 1 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
For more information on how to attend, take part or just donate to the cause, visit www.givebutter.com/smashthesilence.