Number of Participants: 20
Hours Donated: 10
Value of Time Served: $1,690
Event Type: Children & Youth
Sport: Softball
School: Patchogue-Medford High School
Date: April 6, 2024
Location:
Patchogue-Medford High School
Buffalo Avenue, Medford
NY
About:
The Patchogue-Medford Varsity softball team will be playing their Spring 2024 charity game for Rare Disease Awareness this Saturday, April 6th with an opening ceremony at 9:45 in the morning. We will be honoring a Patchogue-Medford student and family member of one of our varsity players. Jose Alicea, a 12-year-old sixth-grader, radiates positivity and resilience despite facing challenges. Recently diagnosed with Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH), a rare disorder affecting the body’s immune system, he has shown remarkable strength throughout his treatment journey. LCH involves the overproduction of immature Langerhans cells, leading to the formation of tumors or lesions in various parts of the body. Specifically, Jose was diagnosed with orbital LCH, which impacts the bones and soft tissues around the eye, requiring specialized treatment and care.
Despite the hurdles posed by his diagnosis, Jose continues to pursue his passions with unwavering determination. An avid reader, baseball enthusiast, and anime aficionado, he finds solace and joy in the world of literature, sports, and creativity. Notably, he just portrayed Troy Bolton in his middle school’s rendition of “High School Musical Junior,” showcasing his talent and dedication to the arts.Throughout his treatment, Jose remains deeply grateful for the overwhelming support from his loving family, friends and community. Their unwavering encouragement and solidarity have been his source of strength, empowering him to face each day with courage and optimism.
PMHS student and Varsity softball player, Isana Alicea, with brother Jose Alicea.
Additionally, Jose extends his heartfelt appreciation to the local charity JZips Foundation. JZips provides comfort and convenience with functional zipper shirts making accessing medical ports fast and easy, while kid friendly designs bring a small sense of fun and normalcy to the situation.
Jzips has provided invaluable support to Jose by supplying him with t-shirts, including one featuring his favorite anime character, making his treatment journey a little bit easier.
The varsity softball team is gathering new graphic t-shirts in both youth and adult sizes for donation to the JZips foundation. While we’ve set up a wish list on Amazon, we’re also encouraging anyone willing to contribute to purchase $5 graphic t-shirts from stores like Five Below or Dollar Tree to enhance our donation, if possible. Every contribution, big or small, will make a difference in supporting this important cause. Check out this video from Good Morning America featuring the foundation to learn more about these special shirts.
Please see- T-Shirt Donation Guidelines
If you would like to donate a t-shirt, Ms. Rohme, guidance counselor at PMHS will be collecting in her office and all varsity softball players will be collecting as well. We will have a donation box at our charity game this Saturday.
Please email Coach D’Onofrio or Coach Rohme if you would like to donate a t-shirt and need us to pickup.
Keep an eye out for our upcoming cornhole tournament fundraiser in June, where we’ll be donating all proceeds to the JZips foundation.
Join us in honoring Jose at our charity softball game on Saturday, April 6th at 9:45 a.m., where all donations will go towards supporting the incredible work of Jzips, ensuring that more individuals like Jose receive the support they need during their medical journey.
Come out and support Jose this Saturday as he joins the varsity softball team on the field for the pre-game festivities and throws the first pitch!