It’s been a while since visiting Rhonda’s Website to get some updates on her condition, so I decided to stop today after remembering a rumor that she actually played at the World Championships in Ireland, as well as the Outdoor Nationals in California. I should have guessed that Rhonda would take no time in getting back in action, but TEN DAYS!?!? You go, girl.
Rhonda, tell your website person that you need RSS feeds for your news!!
From www.rhondarocks.com :
Rhonda has been making fantastic progress as she heals and recovers from the June 1, 2008 assault. She started to train again in early July and is getting her strength back on a daily basis.
Rhonda was welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd at the WOR Championships in Huntington Beach, California. This tournment was Rhonda’s first tournament since the assault. Although she felt the lingering effects of the attack, the crowds were excited to see her return to play. Because her face continues to heal, she is required to wear a custom fit mask while playing.
She will be competing with Team USA at the IRF World Championships August 1-10, 2008 in Kingscourt, Ireland.
Rhonda would again like to thank all of her fans for the love and support as she continues to recover.
August 27th, 2008
by Geoff Thomsen
I noticed today that DLC Sports has created a line of T-Shirts to contribute funds to aiding Rhonda Rajsich financially recover from her injuries. They feature designs for men and women, and are available in assortment of colors. They are priced at $18.99, and all proceeds go to Rhonda.
June 20th, 2008
by Geoff Thomsen
I finally figured out that Firefox was giving me issues on Rhonda Rajsich’s website, www.rhondarocks.com, and switched to IE to find she had some updates on her current condition. It sounds like everything went well, and she is on the full and lengthy road to recovery. If you know Rhonda, or have seen her play, and like to leave her a get well message, check our her website and click on the little banner on the right that says "Send Rhonda Get Well Wishes, Click here".
From "News" on www.rhondarocks.com:
Rhonda’s surgery on Wednesday, June 11 went well. At this time it appears that the surgeons were able to repair all of the fractures in her face area. She spent the night in the hospital and will most likely be discharged sometime later today.
Although Rhonda’s doctors expect her to make a full recovery, she will have some difficult days ahead of her. Again, she wants to thank all of her fans for their thoughts prayers and support.
Rhonda’s website will be updated regularly regarding her condition.
June 16th, 2008
by Geoff Thomsen
Ektelon’s Scott Winters has forwarded on some additional information about the latest news for Rhonda Rajsich. In the press release below, there is some information about her surgery, which is scheduled for today. If you are reading this, please send some positive thoughts Rhonda’s way for a quick recovery.
If you’d like to send Rhonda a message, a questbook has been created for her online: http://www.e-guestbooks.com/sign/rhondarajsich
Rhonda Rajsich, the number one ranked women’s professional racquetball player, was injured in an unprovoked assault on Sunday, June 1, 2008, outside of her Hermosa Beach, California residence. Hermosa Beach Police are investigating the incident.
As a result of the attack, Rhonda suffered several fractures to the right side of her face. She will be undergoing surgery on Wednesday, June 1lth. The surgery is expected to last four to five hours and will involve the placing of titanium plates and screws in Rhonda’s cheek, jaw and eye orbital areas. The full extent of the damage will not be known until after the surgery is complete and the healing process begins. At that time, the doctors will be able to determine whether Rhonda may require further surgery.
Rhonda is also under the care of an ophthalmologist. Barring any complications, at this time it does not appear that she will have any permanent vision impairment.
Although it is expected that Rhonda will make a full and complete recovery, at this time her doctors have not been able to determine when she will be able to return to the racquetball court. More information regarding her recovery time will be available sometime after she undergoes surgery.
In order to assist Rhonda with her expenses while she is unable to play, a fund has been established at Wells Fargo Bank. Checks can be sent to the Rhonda Rajsich Relief Fund, c/o Peter Nitschke, Southern California Sports Management Group, 23861 El Toro Road, Suite 700, Lake Forest, CA, 92630. Funds can also be deposited at any Wells Fargo Branch under the following account “Peter Nitschke for the Benefit of Rhonda Rajsich Relief.” For more information regarding the Rhonda Rajsich Relief Fund, please contact Peter Nitschke at Southern California Sports Management Group.
Rhonda thanks all of her fans for their thoughts, prayers and support during this difficult time.
Updates concerning Rhonda’s progress will be posted on her website at http://www.rhondarocks.com.
June 11th, 2008
by Geoff Thomsen
I’m a tad late in posting this article, partially because I’m still somewhat in shock over the events which have occurred. Following the 2008 National Singles Championships two weeks back in Houston, Rhonda Rajsich was walking on the beach near her home when she was assaulted by two men, and beaten unconscious. Rhonda is in the hospital recovering from her injuries, and is apparently scheduled for surgery on her cheek due to a broken cheekbone. I can’t imagine what would cause someone to do this, and I hope the responsible parties are caught and fully prosecuted (or even better, served a little “back alley justice”).
Rhonda, you are in our thoughts and prayers, and we hope for a full and speedy recovery.
From Dave Ellis, US National Team Coach:
Friends of the US National Team:
This is a sad note concerning a most dedicated teammate. Rhonda was walking near her apartment in Hermosa beach Saturday night when she was approached by two men. The two men attacked her, brutally beating her unconscious. She is in the hospital and will be there indefinitely. She will be undergoing operations to reconstruct the left side of her face. Her eye is swollen shut but tests show that her vision will be ok.
Please remember Rhonda in your prayers. How sad that this happened to Rhonda, a friend to all and such an enthusiastic leader in our sport. We all pray for full recovery.
Dave Ellis, Coach
USA Racquetball
From Son Nyugen, Oneshot Sports:
I went to visit Rhonda today, and she is physically beat up!!! Not surprising to those that know Rhonda, she still had her sense of humor and made me laugh a few times!
This incident was unprovoked and she believes it would’ve happened to anyone. She was simply at the wrong place at the wrong time. Police speculate that these guys were on some sort of drugs and or alcohol.
Her face is obviously swollen and her eye is swollen shut, but her vision is good! Reconstructive surgery will be next week. Doctors want her swollen face to heal as much as possible and then do the surgery. The police department is working on finding these two cowards. Rhonda does have insurance, but it will not cover everything. She will obviously not be able to compete for a while and will not be able to earn a living.
If anyone is interested in sending a monetary donation, please send a check payable to Rhonda Rajsich, and send it directly to me:
Oneshot Sports: 6392 Sligo Circle Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Keep her in your prayers………………………………..Son
June 9th, 2008
by Geoff Thomsen
