When the Umatilla High School softball team hosted its fourth annual Strike Out Cancer game on April 18th, they were continuing to raise money to support people currently undergoing treatment for cancer or cancer survivors. But this year, they are supporting one of their own – Jordan Bennett, the team’s pitching coach.
In past years, the team raised funds to support breast cancer patients and survivors, but in addition, this year they are also supporting ovarian cancer patients. Coach Bennett was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in February.
During the softball game, there was a raffle to raise funds. The varsity team wore T-shirts and hair ribbons in bright teal, a color that represents ovarian cancer. The shirts were printed with the words “Jordan’s Titans of Teal.” The players’ shirts (with their names on them) were also raffled off, and the proceeds raised will go toward supporting Bennett for her medical expenses. The JV team wore pink shirts to support breast cancer patients. In total, the event raised over $1200.
What does it mean for these young players to grapple with a beloved coach having a life-threatening illness and diagnosis?
“It was pretty heart breaking when we found out about it, because Coach Bennett has a lot going for her, and no one can imagine what she’s going through. She loves softball so much and so we want to be the outlet for her,” said Braelyn, UHS Junior and varsity softball player.
UHS Senior and varsity player Libby said she and the entire team are very happy to be able to do something to support Bennett. “I think it’s really sweet and I think it will help her a lot because I know medical bills are extremely expensive. It’s rough and I know she’s been needing support,” Libby said.
What does it mean to Bennett to have the softball players and the Strike Out Cancer game support her? “It’s definitely weird that a game I helped the girls with previously as a coach is now happening in honor of me. But it means everything – I have had to tell a lot of people about my cancer diagnosis, but telling the softball players was the hardest,” Bennett said.
Bennett has had one surgery and four rounds of chemotherapy. She said she can’t wait until she gets back to the softball field and team, but right now she is concentrating on healing. “I still have a long road ahead of me, but every time I see these girls, they make me feel like a rock star.”