Taking part: Simran Sarai, an 11-year-old cancer survivor, spoke to the crowd of about 400 people on July 15 about the wish she had granted through Make-A-Wish. She was participating in the annual fundraising softball tournament organized by Make-A-Wish that raised $62,000.
Photograph by: Larry Wright , Burnaby NOW
The final totals are now in and the July 14-15 Make-A-Wish slo-pitch tournament at Riverway has raised $62,000.
Hundreds of supporters came out on that summer weekend for the annual tournament, with approximately 500 ball players participating and one former wish kid in the form of 16-year-old Paige Roper.
All proceeds from the tournament go toward the organization's goal of granting wishes to kids aged three to 17 who are battling a life-threatening medical condition.
In 2007, Paige had a wish for a baby grand piano granted after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. Five years later, she's cancer-free after undergoing an intense year of brain surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Her softball team, called Paige's Knights, is made up of friends and family who helped support her in her journey with cancer.
Now in its fifth year, the softball tournament has raised more than $212,000 in total. The $62,000 surpassed the organization's goal of $60,000.
To make a donation, visit www.makeawishbc.ca, click on donate now and then select Slo Pitch for Kids 2012.
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