A Community of Ballers’ Will Get Cozy on February 9 For a Great Cause
Photos by Elizabeth Fox Photography.
SARATOGA SPRINGS – At the age of 14, Dante received the devastating diagnosis of Stage 4 t-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma. This unexpected diagnosis led to three years of harsh treatments and a recovery that left not only him, but his parents, and sister fighting for survival and hope.
I feel blessed to tell you that, as of last June, Dante celebrated five years cancer free.
Along his journey, Dante and his family were approached by Frank DeBlasi, Founder of Ballsfest, and asked to become part of the Baller’s community.
Frank met not only with Dante, but his entire family to determine what adventure would help them heal, bond, and create new memories. Ultimately, Dante, his sister, parents, and their new friend Frank, all went to Colorado where they rode ATVs, braved whitewater rafting, hiked the beautiful terrain, visited cities such as Vail and Denver, and enjoyed uninterrupted reconnecting and recovery time together.
Ballsfest is a non-profit organization which provides hope while helping lift the spirits of children, young adults, and their families affected by cancer.
The term Ballsfest was created by Frank DeBlasi, summoning an ironic play on words, as he is a testicular cancer survivor himself, and a keen supporter of children living with cancer. In 2007, when Frank finished his own treatment, he wanted to celebrate-SPAC style. It first began as a small tailgate party before one of his favorite groups, The Dave Matthews Band. Fast forward to this past summer, where there were 700 tailgaters showing support and sending out love to all of the ‘Ballers.’
Photo by Dave Bigler Photos and Films
Frank’s vision was to create one big family of ‘Ballers.’ Here would be a support system consisting of a group of people that understood what the other person, (patient, mother, sibling, etc.) was going through. Angie Silipigno, newly appointed Executive Director, stated that this close knit group helps give support, time, and encouragement. When a family begins treatment and wonders: “How can I get through a year and a half of medical care?” there is a community of support saying: “Yes you can, we did, here is what worked for me, and I am here to help!”
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On Saturday, February 9, from 9 pm until 1 am, Ballsfest will try something new. Unlike any event that Saratoga has experienced before, the gorgeous Adelphi Hotel will the site for an Adults only Pajama Party. How’s that for unique? What fun!
Imagine munching on The Adelphi’s fine cuisine, while enjoying a libation from the all night open bar while in your coziest PJs. There will be a DJ, late night food surprises, games, and so much more! The organizers of Ballsfest want you to come to the event, enjoy, and not to have to reach into your pockets {Editors Note: And who puts a wallet in their PJ’s anyway!}. As a result, this is a “pay once” event. There will be no auction items, just the opportunity to come meet the Ballers, celebrate with them, and hear their stories.
As the Ballsfest WEBSITE states, “With your attendance, you can help provide year-round emotional, social, and financial support to our local pediatric oncology patients and their families. With an average of 60-70 newly diagnosed children each year just in our area, there is no shortage of need. With your help, we can brighten the most difficult of days, create a community of love and support, and celebrate life.”
Here in Saratoga, Ballsfest provides families year-round programming which includes visits to the hospitals, therapeutic activities, providing the parents well deserved breaks, holiday baskets, annual Baller events and of course, gifts granted. Currently there have been 18 requests provided for children in our area. This year the Baller Community hopes to add 6 new players to their team.
As we go throughout the stresses and obstacles of the day, I hope this article makes you aware that there are kids in our community who are battling cancer and families who are trying to simply put one foot in front of the other. Ballsfest is a way you can get behind and support them. Angie stated that “the Ballers are so resilient and pillars of strength”. She stated that “once you meet them, you are forever changed”.
There are three ways to participate – including “Heart” and “Star” packages that include overnight accommodations at the Adelphi – and I strongly encourage you to buy your tickets quickly as there are only 200 single tickets available for this event! To see all the event option details, click on this LINK.
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Your generous ticket donation could go to a child just like Olivia. At the age of 3, Olivia was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. This required her to endure intense chemotherapy and be segregated from others in fear of germs and getting sick. When Frank approached Olivia and asked this amazing child what she wanted for her gift/adventure, she said a playground. This would enable Olivia to be a child, to run, slide, and play without the possibility of getting a life changing illness.
Well, what a playground she received! Thanks to the Ballers’ generosity, Olivia even enjoys a mister over her swing for the hot summer days, a waterslide, and hours of childhood!
Olivia’s mom, Melynnda, reported that the Baller’s Community is not just a non-for-profit organization, it’s a family… a community of Ballers.
Personally, I can’t wait for this unique, heart-warming, and new to Saratoga event! I hope to see you there dancing in your PJs and slippers.
Mandy Weinerman
January 4, 2019
