High school hoops rivals team up in Palatine to battle brain cancer
The court at Palatine High School will host the home team against its crosstown rivals from Fremd High School on Dec. 19, but both squads will be playing for the same cause: raising funds and awareness for families battling brain cancer.
The second annual One Community One Cause Brain Cancer Awareness Night will benefit the Kendall Nicole Eich Foundation, named in honor of a 35-year-old Inverness woman who died in 2021, after a five-year battle against glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Established in 2022 by Eich's family and friends, the foundation supports six patients and their families, ranging from a 13-year-old girl to a grandmother in her 60s.
Last year's inaugural event at Fremd raised more than $20,000 for the foundation.
“We want to spread awareness that we are here for these patients and families — reaching them as quickly as possible to provide ongoing support, resources and connections to other organizations who can help them through what is a truly challenging time,” said Cindy Eich, Kendall's mother.
The event was spearheaded by Kathy Yates, widow of Fremd girls basketball coach David Yates. Diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2023, Yates died in 2024 after guiding the Vikings to a 30-7 record and a third-place state finish. His family was one of the first to benefit from the foundation.
Several events and fundraising opportunities will lead up to the event at 6 p.m. Dec. 19.
Attendees are invited to submit photos and descriptions of those diagnosed with brain cancer to a Warrior Wall. In addition, two $1,000 Love Goes Further Scholarships will be awarded to seniors from each school who submit essays on themes of love and resilience.
A Chuck-a-Duck 50/50 raffle will also be held. Attendees can buy three ducks for $5 and at the announced time, “chuck” them on the basketball court. The owner of the duck that lands closest to center court wins a prize.
From Dec. 13-17, Spunky Dunkers Donuts will be selling red doughnuts, representing the Palatine Pirates, and green doughnuts, for the Fremd Vikings, to benefit the foundation.
For more information about the Kendall Nicole Eich Foundation, visit lovegoesfurther.org.