As teams across North Carolina prepared for opening days, many teams were able to play scrimmage games, giving coaches a chance to learn about their players, team strengths, and team weaknesses.  At West Stanly HS, the Colts invited three other teams in to take part in scrimmages, as well as raising money and awareness for a cause close to the program’s heart.

Along with West Stanly, Panther Creek HS, South Mecklenburg HS, and Richmond County HS took part in the day.  Each team played two games.  The bigger part of the day was the cause brought to the forefront.  This was the third annual Wage Hope Baseball Scrimmages.  The scrimmages are designed to benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

Attendees of the event donated $5 at the door toward the cause.  Announcements were made throughout each scrimmage.  Between the 2^nd and third games, with every player and coach on site, more information was given on the fight Pancreatic Cancer patients fight, along how donated proceeds will be used to help fight and prevent the disease. 

West Stanly’s baseball program raised over $1000 on the day for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.  Head Coach Chad Yow, talks about how the program became involved with the cause and how the Wage Hope scrimmages came to be.  Coach Yow was also able to discuss the prospects for his team in 2018.

 

 

Pancreatic Cancer Notes:

+ The American Cancer Society estimates over 55,000 people will be diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in 2018

+ Pancreatic Cancer accounts for about 3% of all cancers in the US, but about 7% of all cancer deaths.

+ At times hard to diagnose early, the diagnosis can lead to poor prognosis: 25% of people survive 1 year and 5% live for at least 5 years.  If caught early, the 5-year survival rate rises to about 20%

+ To learn more, or to become involved, you can check out the following:

-        Pancreatic Cancer Action Network – www.pancan.org

-        @PanCan on Twitter

-        @OfficialPCA on Twitter

-        American Cancer Society – www.cancer.org/cancer/pancreatic-cancer.html

Across the state baseball players, coaches, and programs are taking it upon themselves to help others.  We will continue to work to profile some of these selfless acts throughout the spring.  Anyone that has an event coming this spring to benefit research, or a special interest, should contact PBR of North Carolina so we can help to raise awareness with you.