Wells Lady Warriors Basketball Team and Coach Don Abbott present check to York Hospital President Jud Knox, Hospital Trustee Bob Foley, Medical Oncology Social Worker Susan Kelly-Westman, Breast Radiologist Dr. Amanda Demetri-Lewis and Yvonne Balzano, Breast Care.
On Saturday, Jan. 16th, the Wells High School gym was an explosion of pink from the basketball players’ uniforms to the crowds’ shirts. This all day event, spearheaded by Coach Don Abbott, began with a free throw shootout (with champion, Natalie Thurber, making 47 out of 50) involving 68 girls in grades 5 – 11 who raised money through pledges that culminated in an exciting game against Traip Academy.
A highlight of this year’s event was the Survivor Challenge, where varsity team members teamed up with cancer survivors—women who are currently undergoing or have successfully undergone treatment for breast and other cancers—together taking foul shots to celebrate the journey each survivor has made. While two winners of the Survivor Challenge Ally O’Brien and Pat Endsley were set to receive gift certificates, at the conclusion of the competition, it was announced that every survivor— each a winner—would receive a gift donated by local businesses.
“The generosity of our community continues to astound us each year and we are overwhelmed with gratitude,” exclaimed Karen Tufts, Planning Committee member, “The support of friends, neighbors, families, and businesses all help to make Shootin’ For A Cure the success that it is. We are so proud of our girls’ basketball program and the community that supports them.” Other committee members include: Don Abbott, Jay Audet, Pierce Cole, Kevin Fox, John Kreie, Judy Moody, Darcy Ramsdell, Cheryl Turner and Marty Webb.
This year, the Wells girls had the greatest number of high scoring fundraisers with a total of five girls, who raised $1,000 each! The 2016 top overall fundraiser was Karissa Kenyon, who raised over $2,052, and received an iPad for her efforts. The junior varsity team also scored big—winning the Team Challenge—raising over $5,000!
Those girls who raised at least $250, (and there were 31 of them!) were recognized as members of the Pink Ribbon Club; with the 39 girls who raised at least $100 being entered into the grand prize drawing for a $500 shopping spree. A bake sale and raffle highlighting all things pink, and delicious, donated by the community and other local businesses were also held, adding to the festivities and causes’ bottom lines.
The money they raised will help support both the Hospital’s Breast Cancer and Living Well With Cancer programs that help improve the quality of life of those who have been diagnosed with and are undergoing treatment for cancer at York Hospital. These funds support services including emergency funds for gas and food, nutritional and exercise programs, wigs, head covers and prosthetics, integrative therapies like massage, reiki and acupuncture and others that center on the mind, body and wellbeing.
“Don Abbott and the Lady Warriors are as passionate about raising funds for these programs as our staff is about providing the services,” noted Jud Knox as he thanked the Wells Lady Warriors, Coaches, and Planning Committee. “As we witness all the effort and amazing work the girls have put into Shootin’ for a Cure…now in its seventh year, we are amazed, once again, at the energy they and the entire Wells community generate to accomplish this! We know that the way Shootin’ For A Cure has changed lives—of our patients and their families—is what is truly amazing. And knowing that this incredible donation will stay local and help those in our community going through their own cancer journey is so very special.”
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