04/18/2023
Congrats to Ashton Akers on being the second Hack Cancer Club member to 5,000 swings! A little different post on this one as we go in depth on why we are doing this....Ashton is a cancer survivor. At 4 yrs old he was diagnosed with a Wilm's Tumor on his kidney. His kidney was removed, he went through chemo and radiation and he is now 5 years cancer free. Ashton loves baseball. His favorite bat is the Lousiville Slugger Meta. His favorite player is Mike Trout who granted him a Make-A-Wish. So eventhough we are Cardinals fans as a family, the Angels hold a special place in our heart.
We used to not talk a lot about his story. It was a little embarrassing because of the attention it brings. It's awkward at times and hard to bring up. You don't want to sound like you're bragging that you had something bad happen and often times feel the pity from people. So you want to keep it in. We don't talk about it for attention or for people to feel sorry. We now talk about it because so many people are suffering. So many people struggle and so many people face grief and pain over loved ones that are lost. Ashton is lucky. Many came before and lost their life in order for the knowledge to be gained to treat his disease. That is why we share. So many illnesses out there that can be cured if the right connections are made and the best foot is moved forward. So many lives can be saved or extended with quality of life. So much value no matter how long or short it may be and shame on us if we walked through the door after Ashton's journey and shut it behind us. So we go to work....
Ashton has five people that he swings for right now. Paetton Iris - Wilm's Tumor (Kidney Cancer)
Katie Pace and Lydia Anderson - Breast Cancer
Frank Howell - Brain Cancer
Betty Bingham - Trisomy 18 and CDH
Paetton was the same age as Ashton. She battled the same cancer. Her cancer spread sooner and she eventually lost her battle. We had the chance to meet her and we think of her often. Her family is in our prayers a lot. We know she is in a better place but we still feel guilty. How is it fair that she passed and Ashton has made it this far? God has a plan and we believe part of that plan was Paetton inspiring so many people with her story. We would not be doing this without people like Paetton.
Katie Pace and Lydia Anderson. Both breast cancer survivors and battled last summer and beyond. Both baseball moms and have sons, Maddox and Barrett, that play baseball with Ashton. Both are tough as nails and have shown what it's like to fight just like so many others. We are so thankful to have met their families and to call them friends. We are grateful that their journeys are getting back to normal and this summer is going to be a lot more enjoyable.
Frank Howell was our HS Girls Basketball Coach. He was diagnosed with brain cancer but continued to teach and coach. A very successful career with so many lives impacted through teaching and coaching. He set an example of how to live each day and give your best no matter what you are up against. Frank lost his battle but never quit. A great inspiration to model life after. He reminds me a lot of Jimmy V and the great Espy speech. We are thankful for his dedication to our school and programs and the legacy he left.
Betty Bingham was a special person. Her brother Gracen plays baseball with Ashton. Her sister Bailey plays softball with our daughter Jordison. Betty battled CDH and Trisomy 18. She pushed the limits of everyone in the medical field. She was the pioneer and paved a better way for anyone fighting the same fight. Her and her parents, Brandon and Angel, gave us a better perspective on life. Whether it's two minutes, two hours, two months or twenty years, it's worth it. Life is short so we all need to enjoy it and take it for what it is. A gift from God.
We knew we had to pay it forward with the outpouring of love and support we received. Paetton, Katie, Lydia and Frank were our wake up calls. Their stories reminded us of just how lucky Ashton has been. Betty's story motivated us to do exactly this....share stories. Share the details on a website so anyone can find them. Right after the gut punch, shock, tears, fear, horror, and unknown of those terrible words, there is comfort. There is love and support and a roadmap. Here's what you need to do and what not to do. Here's how you will feel and here are some ways to deal with it. Here's who to talk to and here's a second opinion and a third. That's where we are headed with the Hack Cancer Club. Anyone with a story, please stand up and share.
Baseball and softball have given us so many great memories with so many great people. Connections we would've never encountered otherwise. So many great stories that need to be told. This is just the beginning, but the Hack Cancer Club is meant to connect people. Someone will need to hear these stories. Some for hope, some for comfort, some for grieving, some for literally the roadmap to survival. But the stories need to be told. No HIPAA, no punches withheld, just straight honest truths to help another life.
If you or anyone you know would be interested in taking some hacks at cancer or some swings for rings, please contact us and we can get you set up. Getting better at a game while helping another. Thank you all for listening, for your love and support. Dream Big, Swing Hard!
