Posted by Joe O Link: Aryn's webpage
on 5/25/2009, 6:48 pm
Message modified by board administrator 5/26/2009, 10:30 am
Congratulations to Kirby's Lawn Care/Upland A.C. who won the 1st annual Memorial Day Weekend Charity Softball Tournament on Saturday by defeating Dr. Foley's Softball by the score of 6-5 in the championship game.
The team dedicated the championship to Aryn Elizabeth Strigle, a little 2-year old girl from Upland for whom the charity tournament was being played and who is battling a form of leukemia and who is undergoing treatment at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
Immediately after the championship game there was a touching moment when the team signed the game ball and presented it to Aryn's Mom, Shannon.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In an e-mail she sent to me with pictures attached she wrote the following.
Thanks so much to everyone for their time, effort and support for my daughter and myself. We truly appreciate all the kindness and warm-hearted thoughts and prayers. While it has been difficult, the warm & caring encouragement that we receive from others, has truly helped us deal with each passing day.
Thank you once again!
Hugs,
Shannon and Aryn Elizabeth Strigle
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I would first like to thank the following teams whose participation in the tournament helped make the fundraiser a success.
Brookhaven Deli (Millennium Upland)
Dr. Foley's Softball (East Norriton Sunday League)
Kirby's Lawn Care (Millennium Fall)
Sligo Irish Pub (Millennium Sunday)
Sloppy Joe's (Millennium Upland)
Upland A.C. (Millennium Upland)
I would be remiss if I didn't mention the sportsmanship and camaraderie shown by all the teams throughout the day and by the very defintion of the word...class, exhibited by Dr. Foley's in the championship game.
The tournament fundraising efforts were helped immensely by the volunteers who worked the concession stand and to Upland A.C. who donated all the food.
Thanks to those volunteers, especially, Sandy Miazea, Pam Kirby, Georgie Ladd, Gigi White, and Diane and Maura Crawford, all Upland residents who showed why this tight-knit community is regarded as one of the best in Delco in coming together to help others.
So far the tournament has raised $1,015, a number that will increase with further donations.
If you would like to make a donation, please send a check made out to:
Aryn Elizabeth Crawford-Strigle beneficiary
And mail to:
Citadel F.C.U.
4923 Edgmont Avenue
Brookhaven, PA 19015
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks to all the ASA umpires who worked the tournament, most notably Billy Kirby who donated all the games he worked throughout the day, back to the cause.
Also, thanks to Delco Parks and Recreation and Upland Borough for the great job they did in getting the fields ready for the tournament by cutting the grass and dragging the fields, especially with election day making for a short work week before the holiday weekend.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here's what Aryn's Mom wrote in her journal on the day of the tournament.
Hi All.
Today was a very busy day for Aryn and Mommy. The nurse came to visit us at 9am to supervise me give Aryn her chemo injection. My niece Dana helped by holding Aryn while I performed the injection. All went well. Tomorrow, I am on my own with injection (no nurse). However a family member or friend will assist me.
Today, Aryn and I got to meet Gina Loverdi-Priscopo. Gina will run a marathon in October with Team in Training, honoring Aryn in this quest to raise monies for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Gina is such a nice and thoughtful person. She spent a lot of time with us and we truly enjoyed her company. I can't wait till we see her again. She presented Aryn with some goodies - a handful of stuffed toys and a St. Rita statue and medallion & necklace. We thank her with all our hearts. Such a beautiful, caring woman! (see photos)
There was a softball tournament today in our hometown, Upland PA. Many teams from Delaware County participated in this charity tournament. Today they honored Aryn. Gina met us at the ball field in Upland and we hung out for quite some time. Aryn, of course, was loaded with sunscreen and was in such a happy mood. (see pic). Aryn and I headed home and Aryn took a nap. When the time approached, with the final game underway, my sister Diane watched Aryn while I went back to the fields to thank everyone for their support and encouragement. Amazing results; the champions were Upland AC!!! All the guys from the AC signed the winning game ball and presented it to me for Aryn! I took photos of the guys (see photos). **I am so grateful to each and every one of the players, coordinators, volunteers and all the guests for coming out and supporting Aryn Elizabeth! A great time was had by all!!
When I got home, I gave Aryn her surprise....the game ball. She said, of course, "thank you Mom, I love it!"
We had plenty of visitors this evening! Aryn was in her glory! I love to see her so happy, so excited and full of life!! I draw alot of my strength from this little person.......Aryn is an angel!!
We thank you all for visiting!
Love and Hugs,
Aryn Elizabeth and Shannon
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Below is the link to Aryn's webpage at CaringBridge and a photo of her that was taken under the pavilion at the tournament on Saturday.
Once again, thanks to everyone who helped make the Memorial Day Weekend Charity Softball Tournament a huge success and God Bless.
295
Responses: