TAMPA, Feb. 18, 2020 – The University of South Florida softball team has joined forces with the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s Vs. Cancer program to defeat childhood cancer – the deadliest disease affecting children in the United States. The USF Invitational, which runs from Feb. 21-23 and features Tennessee, FIU and UCF, has been designated softball’s “Strike Out Cancer” weekend in collaboration with the Vs. Cancer program.
Started by pediatric brain cancer survivor and former collegiate athlete, Chase Jones, Vs. Cancer empowers any sports team, any athlete, and any community to help kids with cancer. As a signature fundraising campaign of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, Vs. Cancer proceeds help fund child life programs in local hospitals, financial assistance funds for families experiencing a pediatric brain tumor diagnosis, and groundbreaking research to cure pediatric brain tumors.
In partnership with Vs. Cancer, the USF softball team has selected the pediatric oncology unit at Tampa General Hospital to receive a portion of the funds it raises. Thanks to the generous support of friends, family and fans, the team is on its way to meeting its fundraising goal. You can contribute by making a donation HERE. USF’s fundraising campaign will continue throughout the season, ending on May 3.
Tammy Bates, director of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s Southeast region, understands how vital these athletes are to the nonprofit’s mission.
“The children and families we serve rely heavily on the support of our Vs. Cancer fundraising teams,” said Bates. “We applaud the efforts and generous spirit of the USF softball team! On behalf of our foundation, and the 28,000 children and teens currently battling a brain tumor, thank you! With the support of this incredible team, we’re fighting for healthier, happier futures for these kids!”
Fans are being encouraged to donate money for every strikeout by the USF pitching staff for the rest of the season.
“It’s exciting to be able to partner with Vs. Cancer to help raise awareness and money for the pediatric oncology unit at Tampa General Hospital as part of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s overall campaign,” said interim head coach Jessica Moore. “We’re happy to rally around the efforts of Vs. Cancer and use softball as a way of advocacy for the foundation.”
About the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation
As the world’s leading nonprofit dedicated to children and teens with brain tumors, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s mission is to care for families along their journey, cure all childhood brain tumors, and help survivors and families thrive. The Vs. Cancer Foundation merged with the PBTF in 2016 and now is a signature fundraising campaign of the nonprofit. Since 1991, the PBTF has funded and partnered with organizations to fund more than $44 million in scientific discovery to increase survivorship, improve quality of life, and ultimately eliminate pediatric brain tumors. The PBTF also provides emotional, informational, and logistical support to help families navigate their journey, including the Starfolio Resource Notebook for the newly diagnosed, emergency financial assistance Butterfly Fund, and award-winning Imaginary Friend Society video series. The PBTF’s signature Ride for Kids, Starry Night, and Vs. Cancer events rally supporters across the country, and regional offices provide critical on-the-ground support to children and their families. Call 800-253-6530 or visit www.curethekids.org/mission to join us in our mission to Care. Cure. Thrive.
About USF Softball
Be sure to follow USF softball on social media (Twitter / Facebook / Instagram) and visit GoUSFBulls.com for the most up-to-date information. The USF softball program has been one of the most successful on campus, making 15 NCAA tournament appearances, including a trip to the Women’s College World Series in 2012.
– #GoBulls –
