Number of Participants: 12
Hours Donated: 10
Value of Time Served: $1,014
Event Type: Health & Medicine
Sport: Softball
School: Walt Whitman High School
Date: May 1, 2024
Location:
Walt Whitman High School
West Hills Road, Huntington Station
NY
About:
In a heartfelt display of community support, the Walt Whitman Wildcats softball team organized a Strikeout Cancer game at Memorial Field. Leading up to the event, the girls dedicated themselves to fundraising efforts, selling raffle tickets for a chance to win various prizes generously donated by local businesses.
At the heart of the game was a poignant speech delivered by the team, welcoming spectators to an afternoon filled with hope and remembrance. April, known as the month of Hope, served as a fitting backdrop for the event, which aimed to celebrate the power of hope while honoring those affected by cancer.
Walt Whitman donned blue and pink uniforms as a tribute to two beloved physical education teachers, Mr. Vinny Altebrando and Mrs. Barbarajean Douglas, both of whom lost their battles with cancer. The blue symbolized Mr. Altebrando, who passed away six years ago from HLH, a rare form of cancer, while the pink honored Mrs. Douglas, who succumbed to breast cancer in December of 2022. Both teachers not only imparted knowledge but also coached various sports, leaving behind a lasting impact on the South Huntington community.
The Wildcats extended their gratitude to the visiting Patchogue Medford Raiders for their participation in the game. Together, they rallied behind a common cause: raising funds for Maggie’s Mission, a local nonprofit organization founded by Steve and Donna Schmidt. The Schmidts established Maggie’s Mission in memory of their daughter, Maggie, who tragically lost her life to cancer at the age of 17 in 2017. The organization aims to support pediatric cancer research and provide assistance to families navigating the challenges of childhood illness.
As a gesture of honor, Steve and Donna Schmidt were invited to the mound to throw out the ceremonial first pitch, symbolizing the unity and resilience of the community in the face of adversity.
Through their Strikeout Cancer game, the Walt Whitman softball team exemplified the power of sports to bring people together for a meaningful cause. Their unwavering dedication to supporting cancer research and aiding families in need serves as a beacon of hope for the South Huntington community and beyond.
