S-C Boys Soccer Donation Aids Local Cancer Patients

The Smith-Cotton High School boys soccer team supported local cancer patients with proceeds from the Tigers’ Cancer Awareness Night fund-raiser.

Between the junior varsity and varsity games against Battle High School on
Monday, Oct. 18, S-C players presented representatives from Bothwell
Regional Health Center with a check for $1,343, which was raised through
T-shirt sales.

Lauren Thiel-Payne, executive director of the Bothwell Regional Health
Center Foundation, said the donation will go to the Patient Assistance Fund
at Bothwell’s Canon Center for Cancer & Cardiovascular Care. The funds will
be used to purchase items such as meal replacement shakes, gasoline gift
cards and more to help cancer patients having financial stress during their
treatment.

Kara Sheeley, Bothwell’s director of oncology services, said: “These funds,
as elementary as it sounds, are what get patients through treatment. They
are living paycheck to paycheck sometimes, and they don’t have the money
for the side-effect prescriptions that come in. There are costs that pop up,
and it is so nice when one of the nurses call me and say, ‘Hey, Kara, can
you help with this script?’ I just run to the pharmacy and pay for it and it is
done, no questions asked."

S-C Boys Soccer Head Coach Ethan Weller said getting involved is important
to him and his players.

“Cancer affects so many people in our society. It doesn't just affect the
person battling cancer, but it affects the people closest to them,” he said.
“This was a chance for our program and our boys to give back and advocate
for the individuals who are fighting cancer each and every day.”

In the photo: Smith-Cotton boys soccer senior Sam Cash, front center, presents a check for $1,343 on behalf of the team to, front from left, Deidre Esquivel,
Bothwell Regional Health Center Board of Trustees member; Lauren Thiel-Payne, executive director of the BRHC Foundation; and Kara Sheeley, Bothwell’s director of oncology services. The funds were raised through T-shirt sales for the Tigers’ Cancer Awareness Game against Battle High School on Monday, Oct. 18, at Tiger Stadium.