Softball tournament benefits Hamilton County Cancer Fund

The lady behind the concession stand was the guest of honor for this weekend’s Swingin’ for Sandi softball tournament in Aurora, and the smile on her face said it all.
Sandi VanWormer was diagnosed with breast cancer just over a year ago, drawing her family close together in a show of love and support. Her son, Shawn, decided to put on a girls softball tournament to show support and raise funds for not other his mother, but others fighting cancer as well. In its second year, the Swingin’ for Sandi tournament exploded in size and scope, drawing 30 teams from Omaha to Holdrege, all competing in a three-day tournament at the Aurora softball complex.
“Last year we had 15 or 16 teams and this year it really blew up,” VanWormer said during a break in the action Saturday. “I really do believe that a lot of it is the cause. There are just a lot of people that have cancer in their lives and this is a way to show their support and raise some money for a good cause.”
Girls age 10 through 18 competed in various divisions in a tournament that started Friday evening and included two full days of continuous games on all four fields Saturday and Sunday.
“This is a family event, for sure. All these girls they look at my mom as their grandma, they really do,” he said of a team he coaches. “She actually does all the concessions and gets everything ready, so it means a lot to all of us.”
Sandi was hard at work behind the counter, pleased to be feeling well and to be helping out with an event that bears her name.
“I was diagnosed over a year ago with breast cancer and I was fortunate that it was found at an early stage,” she said. “Last year it was just overwhelming, but this year to see all the people here today is just wonderful.”
Shari said she is pleased to know that a portion of the proceeds from the event will go to the Hamilton County Cancer Fund, which provides gas cards and other forms of financial support to Hamilton County residents in active treatment. VanWormer reported Monday that a $1,000 donation was made to the cancer fund.
“You know, one of the coaches that is here has leukemia, so there are just so many different types of cancer,” Shari said. “Unfortunately, we just can’t single them all out, but the cancer fund here in town is just awesome.”
VanWormer thanked all those who helped prepare the fields and assisted in various ways with the weekend tournament.
“The softball community is really a big family and they all put in their time to help us out,” he said. “We really appreciate everybody who helped out.”