Lake in the Hills tournament raising money for cancer center

Spend a day at the ballpark and make a difference. The Lake in the Hills Youth Athletic Association is holding the third annual Brian Krueger Memorial Tournament July 9-13 at Sunset Park and Leroy Guy Park. The baseball tournament will raise funds in memory of former LITHYAA baseball player Brian Krueger for the Midwest Children's Brain Tumor Center.

An avid baseball fan, Brian Krueger was diagnosed with medulla blastoma at age 4. After overcoming the effects of the disease and treatment, he began playing baseball in the LITHYAA at age 8. He played four seasons in the league before the cancer returned and claimed his life in 2005 at age 11.

Brian loved the game of baseball and was an inspiration to his teammates, coaches, and friends. Brian's dad, Ken Krueger, volunteers at the tournament every year. For him, Brian represents courage, hope, and inspiration. "He made such an impact on people," Krueger said.

The LITHYAA organized the Brian Krueger Memorial Tournament in 2006 to honor Brian's memory and raise funds to support cancer patients and their families. "The tournament is all about making people aware of pediatric cancer and these kids," Krueger said.

This year, 45 baseball teams from around the area will compete at the 8U, 9U, 10U, 11-12 levels. Games will be played at Sunset Park and Guy Park in Lake in the Hills. Some teams will have the opportunity to play on Krueger Field (Field 1 at Sunset Park), where Brian enjoyed his years as LITHYAA baseball player.

The Midwest Children's Brain Tumor Center at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital provided medical care and emotional support to Brian and his family throughout his battle with cancer. Fifty percent of the net proceeds collected from tournament fees, concessions, raffles and T-shirt sales will be donated to help victims of pediatric cancer and their families.

You can help fight pediatric brain cancer by attending the Brian Krueger Memorial Tournament on July 9-13.

Donations in Brian's memory can also be made directly to: Midwest Children's Brain Tumor Center, Advocate Lutheran General, 1675 Dempster Street, Park Ridge, IL 60068.