First Annual SKS Memorial
Bowl a Huge Hit with Kids
Bowl a Huge Hit with Kids
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| Strikes and Spares is a Proud Sponsor of the 1st Annual Street Kids Memorial Bowl |
| Hacienda Mexican Restaurants is a Proud Sponsor of the 1st Annual Street Kids Memorial Bowl |
Mishawaka, IN 1/10/2009
The Street Kids/Suburban softball team hit a home run on Saturday, as they
opened their hearts to several people from the Memorial Children's Hospital,
pediatric oncology unit for the first annual SK Memorial Bowl at Strikes and
Spares in Mishawaka.
Over 40 people, including members of the softball team and several kids from
Memorial, enjoyed a fun round of mini golf, followed by a big game of bowling.
For some people, it was something they will never forget.
"I am eight years old and I have cancer," boasted a very courageous Dillon
Weldy, who was just diagnosed with lymphoma in October. "But today is one of
the best days. I played golf, bowled and made some new friends!"
Weldy, who was accompanied by his twin brother Garrett, little sister Kaitlin and
proud parents, Thomas and Cindy, was the life of the party, constantly making
people laugh and smile.
"I thought our goal was to come here and make them smile, but he brought so
much energy and charisma its making us smile," said outfielder Joe Horvath.
The Street Kids/Suburban softball team hit a home run on Saturday, as they
opened their hearts to several people from the Memorial Children's Hospital,
pediatric oncology unit for the first annual SK Memorial Bowl at Strikes and
Spares in Mishawaka.
Over 40 people, including members of the softball team and several kids from
Memorial, enjoyed a fun round of mini golf, followed by a big game of bowling.
For some people, it was something they will never forget.
"I am eight years old and I have cancer," boasted a very courageous Dillon
Weldy, who was just diagnosed with lymphoma in October. "But today is one of
the best days. I played golf, bowled and made some new friends!"
Weldy, who was accompanied by his twin brother Garrett, little sister Kaitlin and
proud parents, Thomas and Cindy, was the life of the party, constantly making
people laugh and smile.
"I thought our goal was to come here and make them smile, but he brought so
much energy and charisma its making us smile," said outfielder Joe Horvath.
Strikes and Spares opened their facility for the event, only charging the group the minimum operating costs (saving hundreds of
dollars).
"We were so honored that the Street Kids team chose our center," said Rick Kelver of Strikes and Spares. "These kids had so
much fun and the guys with Street Kids are an amazing group."
After the event, the group was invited to Hacienda Mexican Restaurant for a
complimentary lunch. And when you have a big group, that turns out to be a
very big donation.
"I contacted Hacienda a couple of days ago inquiring about having lunch there,"
said SKS director TJ Jorgensen, who organized the event. "After I told them
what it was for, I asked if there was anything they can do to assist us in this
lunch and the vice president called me and said they would be happy to offer
the lunch at no charge. I was blown away!"
Jorgensen, who spoke with WNDU-TV live during the event, said the event is
not just about their team, but to be an example that others can get involved also.
"Doing something like this is something anyone can do," Jorgensen added. "We
are a softball team who makes it a goal to make a difference in our community.
Our popularity with our website gives a chance to bring awareness to such things
like cancer and other things. But you can do something also. Just have to want
to do it."
Dillon is someone who is very appreciative of people like Street Kids Softball.
Back in October, Thomas and Cindy were told the four words that no parent
ever wants to hear: your child has cancer. Dillon developed a tumor on his
spine, which completely prevented him from walking.
"When we found out, we started to go to the hospital when we were told
that Dillon would have to be airlifted immediately," said Dillon's mom, Cindy
Lamb. "We were told to go to the closest hospital and the next thing I know
we are in a helicopter, heading to Riley Hospital for an emergency surgery."
Dillon has now gone through some chemotherapy sessions and on Monday
will be admitted into Memorial Children's Hospital for further action. In all,
the entire process will take about two years.
"He has had a tough life, ever since he was born," said dad Thomas. "But
the kid has so much heart. At Christmas time, he gave a gift to his cousin
and said the real meaning of Christmas is giving. He is just a wonderful boy
with so much life."
Members of the Street Kids team spent some extra time talking with the
family, and has plans to visit Dillon in the hospital.
"This kid is so brave," Jorgensen added. "He reminded me of Jackie, a kid
from Memorial we spent some time with last spring. Just so much courage and knowing that he has a tremendous fight ahead
for him, he will need all the support he can get."
The softball organization spent time with children last spring, bringing them to the ball park for their opening night in South
Bend. The team is planning the same event again this spring.
"We got so much positive feedback on it that there is no way we couldn't do it," Jorgensen said. "Bridget, a girl who was here
today was actually at our opening night event and she made me promise to have it again this spring, so I can't let her down!"
dollars).
"We were so honored that the Street Kids team chose our center," said Rick Kelver of Strikes and Spares. "These kids had so
much fun and the guys with Street Kids are an amazing group."
After the event, the group was invited to Hacienda Mexican Restaurant for a
complimentary lunch. And when you have a big group, that turns out to be a
very big donation.
"I contacted Hacienda a couple of days ago inquiring about having lunch there,"
said SKS director TJ Jorgensen, who organized the event. "After I told them
what it was for, I asked if there was anything they can do to assist us in this
lunch and the vice president called me and said they would be happy to offer
the lunch at no charge. I was blown away!"
Jorgensen, who spoke with WNDU-TV live during the event, said the event is
not just about their team, but to be an example that others can get involved also.
"Doing something like this is something anyone can do," Jorgensen added. "We
are a softball team who makes it a goal to make a difference in our community.
Our popularity with our website gives a chance to bring awareness to such things
like cancer and other things. But you can do something also. Just have to want
to do it."
Dillon is someone who is very appreciative of people like Street Kids Softball.
Back in October, Thomas and Cindy were told the four words that no parent
ever wants to hear: your child has cancer. Dillon developed a tumor on his
spine, which completely prevented him from walking.
"When we found out, we started to go to the hospital when we were told
that Dillon would have to be airlifted immediately," said Dillon's mom, Cindy
Lamb. "We were told to go to the closest hospital and the next thing I know
we are in a helicopter, heading to Riley Hospital for an emergency surgery."
Dillon has now gone through some chemotherapy sessions and on Monday
will be admitted into Memorial Children's Hospital for further action. In all,
the entire process will take about two years.
"He has had a tough life, ever since he was born," said dad Thomas. "But
the kid has so much heart. At Christmas time, he gave a gift to his cousin
and said the real meaning of Christmas is giving. He is just a wonderful boy
with so much life."
Members of the Street Kids team spent some extra time talking with the
family, and has plans to visit Dillon in the hospital.
"This kid is so brave," Jorgensen added. "He reminded me of Jackie, a kid
from Memorial we spent some time with last spring. Just so much courage and knowing that he has a tremendous fight ahead
for him, he will need all the support he can get."
The softball organization spent time with children last spring, bringing them to the ball park for their opening night in South
Bend. The team is planning the same event again this spring.
"We got so much positive feedback on it that there is no way we couldn't do it," Jorgensen said. "Bridget, a girl who was here
today was actually at our opening night event and she made me promise to have it again this spring, so I can't let her down!"
| Street Kids spent time with the children from Memorial last April during their opening night. |
| Dillon Weldy talks to a WNDU reporter on Saturday at the Street Kids Memorial Bowl. |
| To view the video, you must have Quicktime installed on your computer. It is free, and can be downloaded here. |