Empowering Community: Patchogue-Medford Softball Team’s Journey of Compassion and Support

The Patchogue-Medford Varsity softball team had an exciting agenda for their Spring 2024 season, including a special charity game dedicated to raising awareness for Rare Diseases. Scheduled for Saturday, April 6th, the event kicked off with an inspiring opening ceremony at 9:45 in the morning. The team had a significant reason to play this game: to honor a fellow student and family member of one of their own players.

Jose Alicea, a resilient 12-year-old sixth-grader from Patchogue-Medford, became the focus of the team’s efforts. Despite facing the challenges of a recent diagnosis of Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH), a rare disorder impacting the immune system, Jose exhibited remarkable strength throughout his treatment journey. His specific diagnosis of orbital LCH, affecting the area around his eye, demanded specialized care and attention.

Throughout his treatment, Jose’s unwavering positivity and resilience shone through. Despite the hurdles posed by his diagnosis, he continued to pursue his passions with determination, finding solace in literature, sports, and creativity. Even amid his medical journey, Jose participated in his middle school’s rendition of “High School Musical Junior,” portraying Troy Bolton with talent and dedication, showcasing his love for the arts.

The community rallied around Jose, offering overwhelming support and solidarity. His family, friends, and the local charity JZips Foundation played significant roles in providing comfort and assistance. JZips Foundation, known for its functional zipper shirts that make accessing medical ports easier, provided invaluable support to Jose, including personalized t-shirts featuring his favorite anime character, making his treatment journey a bit more manageable.

In an effort to support the JZips Foundation and individuals like Jose, the varsity softball team organized a donation drive for new graphic t-shirts, in both youth and adult sizes. They encouraged contributions from the community, whether through purchasing items from a wish list on Amazon or buying $5 graphic t-shirts from stores like Five Below or Dollar Tree. Every contribution, regardless of size, made a meaningful difference in supporting the cause.

In addition to the charity game, the team engaged in various community service projects throughout the season. They hosted an Autism Awareness Game on April 19th, promoting understanding and acceptance of individuals with Autism. They celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Little League Softball on April 26th, highlighting the progress made in female inclusion in sports. They also held their second annual Teacher Appreciation Game on May 3rd, honoring educators who positively impacted their lives.

These initiatives reflected the team’s core values of teamwork, compassion, and community engagement. Through their actions both on and off the field, the Patchogue-Medford Varsity softball team demonstrated their commitment to making a positive impact in their community.