Community Rallies Around Young Athlete in His Battle Against Cancer

Dan Ford, the varsity coach of the merged Greece Olympia/Odyssey baseball team, has been deeply touched by the plight of one of his players, Zach, a 10th grader at Greece Odyssey. Diagnosed with stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma around Christmas, Zach’s story resonated with Ford, who has faced his own personal tragedies, including the loss of his child and his mother to cancer at an early age.

In February, despite ongoing chemotherapy treatments, Zach received medical clearance to resume normal activities for a 15-year-old, much to the delight of his coach and teammates. On a warm day in February, Zach surprised everyone by showing up for an outdoor workout, showcasing his resilience and determination to keep fighting.

Inspired by other local teams, Coach Ford wanted to support the fight against cancer while honoring Zach. He coordinated with Spencerport High School, where Coach Larry Frisa and his team were eager to participate. Both teams donned special jerseys for the cause—Spencerport in powder blue to promote men’s health and Greece Olympia/Odyssey in lavender with a ribbon on the sleeve to honor Zach. Players from both teams also wore purple pins on their hats during the game.

The event featured posters and expressions of support for Zach, reinforcing that he was not alone in his journey. The players collected donations during the game, contributing to the CURE Cancer Awareness organization in Rochester, a group that has been instrumental in supporting Zach’s family during this challenging time. The fundraiser, initiated by the Odyssey staff, has raised over $500, with more donations still coming in.

Although the game’s outcome was not a victory on the scoreboard, it was profoundly meaningful for all players involved, emphasizing that their efforts transcended the sport. Zach continues his treatments every other Thursday, and while those days are particularly tough, he returns each Friday with a smile, grateful for the normalcy his team provides.

This moving story not only highlights the strength and courage of a young athlete but also illustrates the power of community support in facing life’s toughest battles.