Saturday, Aug. 8, is the date for this year’s annual “Batting for Boobies” double elimination softball tournament.
The tournament starts at 10 a.m. on the fields at Eyman Park in Washington C.H. All 16 team slots were filled weeks ago.
This popular event is the brainchild of Andy Lewis and Linda Bushey. Lewis and Bushey have both had family members who have faced cancer. Lewis’ three aunts all battled cancer. Two of them did not win that battle.
That is the impetus behind the tournament. Find a person who is fighting cancer, raise as much money as possible and donate that money to that person to help with the financial struggle that occurs while fighting the emotional and physical aspects of this disease.
Last year’s honoree was one of Lewis’ aunts. She was scheduled to throw out the first ball but died the morning of the tournament. This year’s honoree is Gloria Runnels and she is ready to throw out the first pitch. Runnels was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2014. There have been plenty of chemo sessions. She had to leave her job due to the side effects of the chemo. Her husband now has to work more hours. “No matter how good your insurance is, the medical bills mount up.”
Runnels has kept a diary of what has happened, her feelings, her hopes. She asked Lewis to share with the public “to please be aware that medical check-ups are for a reason: to keep you from dealing with what I am going through.” Runnels shares, “I have been living my life as a woman with one breast, living with raw emotion, living with a sense of ugliness – but also with a will to live. I am a survivor.”
Even though the team slots have been filled, you can still help. There will be a raffle taking place with many great prizes: a free carry and conceal class, a certificate for a handgun, gift cards, bags of goodies and half the pot. “Batting for Boobies” shirts and wrist bands will also be on sale. The pink fire truck will be on the premises and the band “30 ot 6” will be playing country rock from 12 – 2 p.m. during the tournament.
Sponsors for this year’s event are Court House Custom, The Beauty Bar Salon, John Deere 5 Implement, Mars Pet Care, Cash Max, Chrisman Water and SB3 Contracting,
According to Lewis, “Individuals who fight this disease deserve recognition for their battle and help financially and emotionally.”
If you would like to donate to this annual fundraiser, you may bring your donation to State Farm Insurance, 226 West Court St., or attend the tournament and buy raffle tickets. According to Bushey, “All the success we have experienced last year and so far this year is due to the support of people in our community.”
