‘Shootin for a Cure’ raises thousands for breast cancer and heart health

Post date: Jan 24, 2016 4:14:8 PM

They have done it once again. For the seventh consecutive year, participants in the combined Girls Basketball Programs at Wells Junior High School and Wells High School have raised thousands of dollars for breast cancer care and women’s heart health in a day-long event known as Shootin’ for a Cure (SFAC).

On January 16th, 68 girls in a free throwing competition raised nearly $34,000 for the Breast Cancer Living Well and Heart Care for Women Programs at York Hospital. The athletes did this by first securing pledges in the community then, on the 16th, shooting free throws for much of that Saturday morning and afternoon.

Later that day, prior to a Lady Warriors Varsity home game with Traip Academy at Wells High School, Varsity Girls Basketball Coach Don Abbott and team members dressed in pink uniforms presented a ceremonial pink check for the amount raised to York Hospital CEO, Jud Knox and several hospital staff.

“SFAC is the most important day of our season,” commented Abbott. “This year, the addition of a ‘Survivor Challenge’ added an even more personal element to the day. Each varsity player was paired with a cancer survivor who took 10 shots. Some (survivors) were relatives, others community members, one was a former player of ours. It was a special moment to see the joy from these women!”

Abbott said it was the closeness to a friend whose wife had breast cancer and knowing some team members whose relatives were suffering with the disease that inspired him to initiate Shootin’ for a Cure. The first SFAC was held in 2010.

To date, Shootin’ for a Cure along with a partnership between the Lady Warriors and the Wells Rotary Club in the sponsorship of the Chuck Cumming Memorial Golf Tournament have raised approximately $194,000 for the York Hospital programs.

Throughout the 16th, sixty-eight 5th through 12th grade student athletes shot 50 free throws each. According to Abbott, this year’s free throw champion was Natalie Thurber, who tied the SFAC record of 47 out of 50, a score also held by alumni Kelly Beisswanger and Abby Moody. The fundraiser champ this year was Karissa Kenyon who raised $2,052.

The Wells Lady Warriors