Kickball tournament raises funds and awareness for cancer
Colby Simkovic may look like your average teenager, but he has proven he is much stronger than your average teen. What is his superpower? He beat cancer. Diagnosed in 2010 at the age of 8 with a rare brain tumor, Colby battled and fought his way through one of the most difficult things any child should have to endure. He and his mother, Carrie, spent months at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., undergoing intense treatments. Today, Colby is cancer free.
His parents, Jerry and Carrie Simkovic, lived through something more difficult than most parents can even imagine. They came out of this situation not bitter or angry, but rather grateful and determined to help others through this devastating disease.
“When my son was diagnosed with cancer, the community rallied behind my family,” Carrie says. “We vowed to always pay it forward, which led us to create Colby’s Stars Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to helping families who are battling cancer.”
Together with their family and friends, Colby’s Stars Foundation has raised more than $100,000 through various fundraising events since its inception in 2010. The money goes to support their mission to assist others who are battling this devastating disease. Candidates in need are nominated through an application process and selected by the board. The organization has assisted numerous families in need by providing financial assistance, cyber school needs, medical supplies, a dream vacation, gift cards and more.
“Through their struggles, they have found a way to give back to so many and I am honored to be part of this organization,” says Julie Venick, board member and volunteer.
On May 20, the organization will host the third annual Kickball Tournament from 9 a.m. to noon at Rices Landing Athletic Field. Last year’s event was truly awe-inspiring. Even through the pouring rain and extreme mud, teams came to participate, raising more than $11,000. There were three tables of Chinese auction items, concessions, music and even a chicken roast. The rain did nothing to dampen the spirits of those who attended.
The greatest thing about the event is the ability to bring together all ages. Co-ed teams play in a bracket driven tournament. Teams can be youth (defined as age 15 years and younger) or adult (ages 16 and over).
So, don’t wait. Get together a team, register and come out to raise funds for a truly worthy cause. You can learn more by calling Carrie Simkovic at 724-998-5116 or Julie Venick at 724-322-4529, or emailing Colbysstarsfoundation@windstream.net.