Loyola to assist Cubs pitcher's charity

Loyola University Chicago will team up with The Ryan and Jenny Dempster Family Foundation to raise awareness and money for 22q11.2 deletion, which is more commonly known as DiGeorge Syndrome.

When Loyola hosts Kansas State, a team that reached the NCAA Elite Eight a year ago, at 3 p.m., Dec. 11 at the Gentile Center, a portion of proceeds from ticket sales, plus money raised from that day's 50/50 raffle, will be donated to the Dempster foundation and it.

Dempster, a staring pitcher for the Cubs, will be in attendance at the game and to help solicit donations. The Dempsters have taken up the fight against 22q (DiGeorge Syndrome) since their daughter, Riley, was born with the disorder. The Ryan and Jenny Dempster Family Foundation strives to lend support to charities and organizations supporting children with 22q through monetary grants, programs and increased community awareness.

The Dempster Foundation empowers organizations to help children with rare illnesses overcome difficult situations through providing funding to continue research to early detection of the disorder in children. The foundation also supports programs about 22q that provide education, physical therapy and activity to promote long-term well being. It strives to create initiatives that build and instill confidence in these children, and to develop a 22q network for families affected by this disorder to share stories and help navigate healthcare options and treatment.

For more information on this disorder, visit the Dempster website at dempsterfamilyfoundation.org/.

Tickets for Loyola's game against Kansas State are available at loyolaramblers.com or through the Loyola Ticket Office at (773) 508-WOLF.