Saints center de la Puente to host benefit for brain-injury care

As a professional football player who takes jarring hits, San Clemente's Brian de la Puente is keenly aware that a traumatic brain injury could change his life.

Such injuries already have done that to two of his friends.

New Orleans Saints center Brian de la Puente, a 2003 graduate of San Clemente High School, will be at Hapa J's restaurant in his hometown to host a July 3 fundraiser for the Brain Trauma Foundation.

PAUL RODRIGUEZ, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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So, de la Puente, the New Orleans Saints center who snapped the ball that quarterback Drew Brees threw to break the National Football League's single-season record for passing yards last year, is asking the public to help him raise money for the Brain Trauma Foundation. The organization aims to educate athletes, coaches, nurses, parents and health-care professionals on recognizing the symptoms of concussions so victims can get early and appropriate care. It also does research intended to broaden the treatments available.

De la Puente and his wife, Makenzie, will host a July 3 fundraiser called "Defend Your Dome" using an image of New Orleans' Superdome as the logo from 4:30 p.m. to closing at Hapa J's restaurant, 2016 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente. There will be prize drawings, a silent auction and a talk about preventing traumatic brain injuries. A percentage of Hapa J's food and drink sales during that period will go to the cause.

"Each dollar raised is used to develop a wider range of treatment options for the millions of patients who suffer head injury each year," the event's flier states, "and to educate medical professionals in best practices that save lives."

SEE A SLIDESHOW HERE.

The benefit is partly in honor of De la Puente's friend Kevy Menges, a passenger in a car that was broadsided by a big rig Feb. 6 on Avenida Pico in San Clemente. Authorities said the truck went down an I-5 off-ramp and through a red light. Menges is undergoing rehabilitation in Denver.

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Saints center de la Puente to host benefit for brain-injury care