The Raiders softball team will host the “Saving Second Base” fundraiser for breast cancer awareness at their double-header against Antelope Valley College on Saturday, March 23.
The event will raise money to benefit the Ribbons of Life Breast Cancer Foundation, an organization committed to providing breast cancer education, advocacy, emotional, and social support within Ventura County according to their mission statement.
Sophmore Marti Lewis, a pitcher and infielder, is very passionate about raising awareness to those who are affected by this disease.
“I have a lot of family members and people in my life who have been affected by breast cancer,” said Lewis “Since that started to happen, I’ve been really into supporting breast cancer awareness and spreading the word about how many people are actually affected by it,”
The Raiders hope to bring awareness to breast cancer and in doing so, provide a fun atmosphere for those who attend. Aside from non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States. It is also one of the leading causes of cancer death among women of all races according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
“The statistic right now is one in every four women will get breast cancer in their lifetime, which is very high,” said Lewis.
Moorpark College Athletic Director Howard Davis said in an email interview that Moorpark College athletic programs have been raising money and awareness for cancer for quite some time.
“Our women’s volleyball team was the first team to get involved in raising money and awareness for cancer,” said Davis “Coach Steve Burkhart and his women did a “Dig Pink” event for several years. Then, our men’s and women’s basketball teams got involved with a statewide effort of men’s and women’s basketball coaches to raise money for the American Cancer Society.”
In fact, Moorpark College was the #1 money raiser in 2011 and 2012 in the entire state. “Earlier this fall, returning softball player Marti Lewis approached me about wanting to organize such an event with the softball team this year” said Davis. “Marti then organized a committee of several of her teammates to put on the “Saving 2nd Base” event on this coming Saturday. They have been working diligently for this event. I’m sure it will be a big success”.
Raiders Head Softball Coach Dave Fox shares Davis’ enthusiasm for the project. In an email interview, Fox expressed the gravity of the disease and the unique opportunity his team has to give back.
“I think its a great event and something that almost everyone can relate to.” said Fox “Cancer is a devastating disease and anything we can do to help in the fight is awesome. Its a great opportunity for our players to give back and learn about giving something to others.
Marti Lewis says that she, her mother and three of her teammates, Taylor Cartwright, Hannah Brown, and Brittany Reed formed a committee to host this event.
“We’ve come together to get vendors, raffle tickets, t-shirts and other things to set up for this [the event],” said Lewis “We got together to help put the finishing touches on it, get the girls involved in selling the raffle tickets and spreading the word about the game.”
For more information about the fundraiser and the softball game, you can visit http://www.moorparkcollegeathletics.com
