On Saturday, the “Hugs for Brady Foundation” held their first Annual Kickball Tournament at Woodlot Park in South Brunswick.
By Azra Baig, Special Writer
On Saturday, the “Hugs for Brady Foundation” held their first Annual Kickball Tournament at Woodlot Park in South Brunswick.
Sherrie Wells, co-founder of the foundation, said the “Hugs for Brady Foundation, Helping Kids with Cancer One Hug at a Time” is a non-profit organization established to help fund research to find a cure for pediatric cancer and is a 100 percent volunteer organization.
She said the kickball tournament had 12 teams with 150 participants and also many volunteers and sponsors that took part in this cause.
She said that in the last 2 ½ years there have been many fundraisers such as 5K runs, walks, a softball tournament, a Winter Gala, and multiple platelet, bone marrow and blood drives, but she was very excited to have a family friend, Richie Domotor, organize a unique and fun filled Double Elimination Kickball Tournament.
Participant Jess Harbison, a player on a team named, “Ball Kickers”, which included other South Brunswick residents and South Brunswick High School teachers said, “This is a fun way to raise money and is a great opportunity to show our support for our community.”
Michael Wells, Sherrie’s husband and co founder of the foundation, explained how this organization was started when their son, Brady Wells, was diagnosed with a very rare form of Leukemia, known as Non-Differentiated Acute Leukemia.
Brady passed away at just 23 months old after battling with the cancer for 10 months, he said.
He said how fortunate that this foundation has been with “great support,” from the community and region.
”This Middlesex/Somerset County area, it’s been mind boggling the amount of support people have given us,” he said. “(It is) a wonderful area to live in.”
Mr. Wells thanked all the volunteers and said that the event was expected to raise approximately $5,000.
Rose Villalva and Andrew Lockwood, players on the team named Prestige Worldwide, said they enjoyed being in the tournament.
”It’s a perfect activity to wrap up the summer with your friends,” Ms. Villalva said.
”Who doesn’t want to play kickball at age 30,” Mr. Lockwood said.
On Friday, Sept. 14, the Hugs for Brady Foundation will be holding a Softball Tournament fundraiser.
For more information, registration and upcoming events on the organization go to www.hugsforbrady.org.