Wild Things to help raise ovarian cancer awareness
On a normal game day, Randy Gore typically is calling the action for the Washington Wild Things. But Saturday, when the Wild Things host the Florence Freedom, he will be spreading the word about ovarian cancer during the team’s first Ovarian Cancer Awareness Night, sponsored by Peacock Keller Law Firm and Behavioral Dynamics Inc.
Gore knows firsthand how ovarian cancer can affect a woman and her family. His fiancee, Kristen, is an ovarian cancer survivor, and his aunt lost her battle with ovarian cancer years ago. Since 2005, Gore has been broadcasting the Wild Things’ games on WJPA and has always wanted to organize an event that would support both a good cause and the Wild Things community.
“I am a broadcaster, and I understand that, but I wanted to do something bigger and create an event to help as many people as possible,” Gore said. “My aunt was always the type of person who helped as many people as she could. More people hear about other causes, like breast cancer and prostate cancer, so I wanted to do something to bring ovarian cancer awareness to the forefront.”
To show their support, the Wild Things will wear special teal jerseys that will be auctioned off during the game on the main concourse. All proceeds will benefit the Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition.
According to the NOCC website, www.ovarian.org, the mission of the coalition is to improve the survival rate and quality of life for women with ovarian cancer.
“It will be a surreal and exciting moment for me when the players come out in their jerseys,” Gore said. “I went to the Wild Things and pitched them the idea I drummed up in the offseason, and it’ll be nice to see the whole event come together.”
The NOCC also will provide pamphlets, T-shirts, teal wristbands and ribbons supporting the fight against ovarian cancer outside the main entrance, as well as a sign-up sheet for the annual Pittsburgh Chapter Run/Walk on Sept. 8 at the North Park Boat House.
In addition, state Rep. Brandon Neuman, D-North Strabane Township, and state Sen. Tim Solobay, D-Canonsburg, will present a proclamation on the field before the 7:05 p.m. start.
For more information, visit the Wild Things Ovarian Cancer Night event page on Facebook or call 724-250-9555.