Neuqua takes colorful approach against formidable foe
Every family, it seems, is struck by cancer at some point.
This spring it was the Neuqua Valley softball family. During tryouts it was revealed that Lynn Widup, mom of sophomore Kat Widup, had been diagnosed with breast cancer.
To show their support, the girls wear pink ribbons in their hair for every game, with a breast cancer ribbon sewn on.
"They felt like it was not only impacting Kat and her family, but them as well," first-year Neuqua head coach Elaina Tanaka said. "When they found out it really hit them hard. They're such a close group of kids. They are very caring and compassionate."
This Thursday the Neuqua girls are striking back at cancer. They will host a "Strike Out Cancer" fundraiser in conjunction with Coaches vs. Cancer, during the Wildcats' home game with Downers Grove South.
Tanaka first heard of teams doing a similar event in Ohio while reading a softball magazine this past fall. Many schools across Illinois have held Volley for the Cure events the past two years. Stevenson High School raised $3,000 for breast cancer awareness at its Play for the Cure day last week.
"It's such a great cause," Tanaka said, "and I really wanted to try it. I know how important it is for our girls. After hearing about Kat's mom it made it all the more special to participate."
The Neuqua players have already sold more than 500 T-shirts in advance of the event. At the game every player and coach will wear a different color ribbon in their hair in relation to the cancer that has affected their lives personally.
"I'll be wearing a purple ribbon," Tanaka said, "for my father-in-law that passed away from pancreatic cancer three years ago."
A cancer survivor recognition ceremony will be held, with survivors honored with a button and daffodil, which is the American Cancer Society symbol for hope.
A five-digit number will be provided to fans during the game, so that they may text a $5 donation to ACS. Neuqua will also be selling concession items such as cracker jack and sunflower seeds for a minimum donation to ACS.
"I'm hoping for a good turnout," Tanaka said. "It means a lot not only to me but to the whole program. It is such a good cause. This has been such an amazing team, coming together the way they have for this."
The Neuqua-Downers Grove South varsity game will be held at 6 p.m., preceded by the 4:30 p.m. JV game. The freshman Gold will play at 4:30 p.m. and freshman Blue at 6 p.m.