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Iowa Softball Player To Take 5,000 Swings
Against Colorectal Cancer
Against Colorectal Cancer
May 11, 2009 by TJ Jorgensen
In 2005, I came up with an idea where we as a softball
team can use our new website, which was quickly
growing in popularity, as a tool to bring awareness to
Sarah Clay, a young former Mishawaka High School
athlete that was severely injured in an ATV accident
and needed to raise money for a special stem cell surgery
that needed to be performed overseas. We were able to help
bring a lot of awareness to Sarah and her battle and afterward, it got me thinking that we
don't have to stop there.
Four years have passed but our strength and determination at Street Kids Care has grown to
unbelievable heights. Today, those involved with the SKS organization are not only excited to
be a part of one of the top softball teams in the Midwest, but they are equally excited to help
make a difference in our community. Four years ago, it was unheard of for anyone in softball
to step up and help others like we did for Sarah. But over time, more and more have stepped
up. And today, a young man from Iowa has decided to use his love for softball as a way to
fight against the second largest cancer killer in the United States, colorectal cancer.
On June 21st, beginning at 5pm, Christian James will begin the process of hitting 5,000
softball in a 24-hour period. For each ball he hits, sponsors will pay anywhere from $0.05 per
ball to $2.00 per ball, with hopes of raising enough money to give to the David's Fight
organization, to help the uninsured and those less fortunate pay for early screenings for colon
cancer.
When Christian first contacted me about his idea a couple of months ago, I was blown away.
I told him it would not be easy, but nothing great is never easy, but as he put this together,
and got the backing of his friends and some big sponsors, the idea began to flourish into
something even bigger. He started a website called HelpingHits.org, where people can sign up
to become a sponsor or to help out in other ways (Christian is also looking for softball and
equipment donations). The man that is known for taking long rounds of batting practice said
the idea hit him when he realized that he can use his love for hitting a softball to help others,
especially after seeing what Street Kids has done in our area.
"Our mission is to take the love that I have for hitting and apply it towards giving those less
fortunate a chance at life, a chance to cope and a chance to move on," said James.
James has teamed up with the Iowa Clinic, Iowa Health Des Moines, John Stoddard Cancer
Center and the David's Fight Organization and already has the backing of some local
organizations, including the Iowa Cubs, a minor league affiliate of the Chicago Cubs.
We at Street Kids Care are proud to support Christian and his selfless act of "taking swings"
at colorectal cancer. Won't you help also? For more information on how you can help support
Christian, visit his website, www.HelpingHits.org.
Street Kids Care will continue to work with Christian on this remarkable event and bring you
as much information as it becomes available, including working to cover the event live in
Iowa when it takes place.
Christian, from all of us here in the Northern Indiana area, we are proud of one of our
fraternity brothers stepping up and making a difference!
In 2005, I came up with an idea where we as a softball
team can use our new website, which was quickly
growing in popularity, as a tool to bring awareness to
Sarah Clay, a young former Mishawaka High School
athlete that was severely injured in an ATV accident
and needed to raise money for a special stem cell surgery
that needed to be performed overseas. We were able to help
bring a lot of awareness to Sarah and her battle and afterward, it got me thinking that we
don't have to stop there.
Four years have passed but our strength and determination at Street Kids Care has grown to
unbelievable heights. Today, those involved with the SKS organization are not only excited to
be a part of one of the top softball teams in the Midwest, but they are equally excited to help
make a difference in our community. Four years ago, it was unheard of for anyone in softball
to step up and help others like we did for Sarah. But over time, more and more have stepped
up. And today, a young man from Iowa has decided to use his love for softball as a way to
fight against the second largest cancer killer in the United States, colorectal cancer.
On June 21st, beginning at 5pm, Christian James will begin the process of hitting 5,000
softball in a 24-hour period. For each ball he hits, sponsors will pay anywhere from $0.05 per
ball to $2.00 per ball, with hopes of raising enough money to give to the David's Fight
organization, to help the uninsured and those less fortunate pay for early screenings for colon
cancer.
When Christian first contacted me about his idea a couple of months ago, I was blown away.
I told him it would not be easy, but nothing great is never easy, but as he put this together,
and got the backing of his friends and some big sponsors, the idea began to flourish into
something even bigger. He started a website called HelpingHits.org, where people can sign up
to become a sponsor or to help out in other ways (Christian is also looking for softball and
equipment donations). The man that is known for taking long rounds of batting practice said
the idea hit him when he realized that he can use his love for hitting a softball to help others,
especially after seeing what Street Kids has done in our area.
"Our mission is to take the love that I have for hitting and apply it towards giving those less
fortunate a chance at life, a chance to cope and a chance to move on," said James.
James has teamed up with the Iowa Clinic, Iowa Health Des Moines, John Stoddard Cancer
Center and the David's Fight Organization and already has the backing of some local
organizations, including the Iowa Cubs, a minor league affiliate of the Chicago Cubs.
We at Street Kids Care are proud to support Christian and his selfless act of "taking swings"
at colorectal cancer. Won't you help also? For more information on how you can help support
Christian, visit his website, www.HelpingHits.org.
Street Kids Care will continue to work with Christian on this remarkable event and bring you
as much information as it becomes available, including working to cover the event live in
Iowa when it takes place.
Christian, from all of us here in the Northern Indiana area, we are proud of one of our
fraternity brothers stepping up and making a difference!