The Saline Reporter
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
'Batting for the Cure' next Thursday
SHS softball program hosts benefit game for breast cancer research
By Brian Cox, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: May 8, 2008
The Saline softball program's statistics are startling, says varsity coach Dawn Whitford.
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But she's not talking about hits or runs or stolen bases.
She's talking about statistics of a whole other, more disturbing kind.
Of the 28 young women and three coaches in the Saline softball program, three have mothers affected by breast cancer. Seven have a grandmother and eight have an aunt affected by the disease. Fourteen have a family friend touched by breast cancer and nine have friends whose mothers have breast cancer.
"Breast cancer affects us all in one way or another," Whitford said.
Which is the motivation behind the softball program's breast cancer benefit May 15, called Batting for the Cure.
Saline is partnering with the Ann Arbor High softball program May 15 at home to raise money for the Breast Cancer 3 Day, a 60-mile walk over three days that benefits Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
The idea for the benefit softball game came from players on the Saline varsity team, who approached Whitford in the fall with the proposal.
The coach was all for it and got in touch with the Huron coach, who was also enthusiastic about the idea. Initially, the plan was for the two teams to wear pink and white jerseys and to donate concession sales to breast cancer research.
But then, as good ideas tend to do, it got bigger.
Whitford attended a breast cancer fundraiser with her old college roommate, Jodi Kite, who was planning to take part in her third 3-Day walk.
"She thought what we were doing was great and wanted to be involved," said Whitford, "and then the girls decided that we'd like to contribute something to her 3-day walk."
It was decided to involve the junior varsity squads, as well.
Leading up to the game, each team is raising money. Whitford has challenged her players to try to raise $50 each.
In addition, the teams are asking for a $3 admission donation from fans and will raffle off a four-pack of Detroit Tigers tickets, in addition to donating the concession money.
The varsity and junior varsity teams will play side-by-side doubleheaders starting at 4 p.m. at the Saline softball fields.
Regardless of the games' outcomes, every player will be swinging for the same fence, Batting for a Cure.
Staff Writer Brian Cox can be reached at 429-7380 or bcox@heritage.com.
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