September 01, 2022

By Amanda Scurlock

Sports Editors

 

The Los Angeles Rams partnered with the L.A. Police Department, Carl’s Jr, and the L.A. Fire Department to host a fundraiser for a player from the Watts Rams who was involved in a fireworks accident.

La’Veyah Mosley, 12, lost her left hand and partial areas of her right hand in a fireworks accident on July 5. She also sustained first, second, and third-degree burns, ruptured eardrums, and temporary vision impairment.

A Carl’s Jr truck was stationed at LAFD Station #64 on August 24 for community members to donate $10 for a meal, all the proceeds went to Mosley’s medical expenses. Prior to the fundraiser, there was a ceremony honoring Mosley’s resilience.

“I feel very excited, very grateful, thankful for all the support and all the love,” Mosley said.

During the ceremony, Mosley was involved in a Q&A session explaining her injury. She desires to advocate against illegal fireworks. LAFD Assistant Chief Jaime Moore initially heard about the accident when it occurred, but learned more about Mosley through LAPD Deputy Chief Emada Tingirides.

“This injury was traumatic in itself, but it also affected her ability to play what she loved to do and that was play football with the team,” Moore said. “This is an incredible opportunity that we have to be able to support La’Veyah and her family.”

Mosley’s mother, Staneisha Matthews, noted how their family has been “overwhelmed with support.”

“I feel like the words of encouragement, the things that everybody is doing is what’s giving us the hope to push through,” Matthews said. “It’s been like our aid through all of this.”

Rams vice president of community affairs and engagement Molly Higgins noted how the Rams will match the amount of donations at the fundraiser. Rams safety Terrell Burgess also sent her a signed jersey.

“Her ability to turn this tragedy into a public service announcement campaign to make sure that other young people don’t suffer a similar tragedy is so inspiring and so uplifting,” Higgins said. “I’m just so proud of her and proud of the Watts Rams.”

 

The police department also donated a laptop to Mosley. Tingirides noted how Mosley has a “beautiful soul and beautiful spirit.”

“I think when people have the tools and the resources that they need to be successful, they’re going to feel good emotionally, mentally, and spiritually,” Tingirides said. “We just wanted to make sure she has everything she needs.”

L.A. Lakers vice president of charitable affairs and executive director of the Lakers Youth Foundation Kiesha Nix mentioned that the Lakers are giving Mosley $2000 along with an autographed photo of the Laker Girls.

 

Her family will also receive six tickets to a Lakers game.

“This is not an easy fix and it’s going to take time and there are going to be days that are harder than others,” Nix said. “We just want to make sure that her family knows that they have friends in the community.”

If you would like to support La’Veyah Mosley, please visit her GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/txt78w-laveyah-reconstruction?member=20553213&sharetype=teams&utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer .

Category: Sports