2012 SLAMphoma Information

NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - The Niagara softball team will host the second annual SLAMphoma event on Sunday, April 15th at Niagara Field, following the team's conference doubleheader against Fairfield.

The 2012 edition of SLAMphoma will look to help raise funds for Orchard Park High School student Kaely Kwitek, who was diagnosed recently with stage-four anaplastic large cell lymphoma.

The Orchard Park High cheerleader's diagnosis hit close to home with the Niagara softball team, as head coach Al Dirschberger has gotten to know the Kwitek's through their shared work with disadvantaged youth and families in crisis. It was through their shared work of helping others that Dirschberger got to know Kaely, her mother Maggie and the rest of her family.

"Maggie and her family have given so much to families and children in need through her work in child welfare and adoption," Dirschberger said. "This is a great opportunity to come together as a community to help out a family that has given so much."

Like last year's event that helped raise funds to help out Niagara softball alum Jenna Baker ('10), fans can donate a set amount or a specific amount per each home run that a sponsored student-athlete hits. 

A new twist for this year's SLAMphoma event is that fans can sponsor other Niagara student-athletes who decide to participate in the event. 

"The inaugural SLAMphoma was great because we were able to help out Jenna [Baker]," Dirschberger said. "As a survivor of Leukemia, I thought it would be important to make this event a tradition, to help others in the community. We would like to assist Kaely in any possible way, so we can see her fulfill her dreams of being a teacher."

Fans who wish to donate, can make checks payable to "Niagara University Softball - SLAMphoma" and send them to the Niagara University Softball team, via the address on the SLAMphoma page.