The chill of fall is in the air – a welcome change after the scorching summer that we have had. Sporting teams are adding layers and sporting their “pink” gear in support of Cancer Awareness for the month of October. There are pink jersey’s, pink socks, pink wrist bands, batting gloves and titanium necklaces all in support of such a worthwhile cause.
The 12U Mudcats are no exception – the boys and parents are all decked out in their pink finest because Cancer Sucks! Many from our team have been touched by cancer. The tragic loss of a sister and an aunt too early in life last April, the loss of a parent at the time of the joyful birth of a child, the battle that grandparents have waged against this horrible disease – some who have been lost and others that we rejoice with who have survived their battle. We all know so many who have intimately faced this disease with both wins and losses.
The Mudcats want to do more than just having fun during October and wearing pink – they want it to mean something more and to give back to those who are currently battling for their lives against cancer. They have dedicated their month of playing in October to Cancer Awareness and are currently raising money to support those in need. They have chosen a local charity, The Stephanie Vest Foundation, which will benefit from your generous donations and in turn be a blessing to others.
The Stephanie Vest Foundation Foundation Details
The Stephanie Vest Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Lee's Summit, Missouri. We offer financial and emotional support to young parents facing a cancer crisis. Proceeds from fundraisers benefit local cancer patients and The House of Compassion (located in Rochester, Minnesota), which was a source of strength during Stephanie's illness.
Vison: The Stephanie Vest Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping families who are fighting cancer by giving hope in a time of need.
Mission:
-To uncover God's amazing grace despite the tragedy of cancer in young people.
-To create a spirit of community by paying-it-forward to families in need.
-To offer resources, both financial and emotional, to parents facing a personal cancer crisis.
-To promote public awareness of the pervasiveness of cancer in our world today.
-To support those who offer care and comfort to patients fighting cancer.
-To honor all who have lost their battle with this disease.
About Stephanie
Stephanie Renee (Krider) Vest, 34, lost her courageous battle with cancer on December 3rd, 2008. After struggling for months with a lingering, undiagnosed illness, it was determined that Stephanie was suffering from a rare form of cancer called Gamma Delta Lymphoma. She received this diagnosis in August of 2008, just a few weeks after giving birth to her third child.
Born August 1st, 1974 in Kansas City, Missouri at St. Luke’s Hospital, her family soon relocated to Jefferson City. Spending the majority of her childhood there, Stephanie was part of Jefferson City High School's graduating class of 1992. She had fond memories of her hometown, especially time spent with her cousins and her childhood friends. She was a proud member of the cheerleading squad, and she had the honor of being voted homecoming queen. She also participated in the theatre program, which was one of her passions.
Stephanie graduated from Missouri State University in 1996 with a degree in Communications & Theatre. She pledged the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority her freshman year, and played a vibrant role in the chapter during her time at college. It was at MSU she met many of her closest friends and her husband Eric. Soon after graduation, they married and moved to Kansas City. Stephanie worked in sales & marketing until she gloriously became a mother. She then started her "career" as a full-time mommy raising her three beautiful children in Lee's Summit.
The joys in Stephanie’s life were spending time with family, celebrating special occasions with friends and decorating her home. She had a flair for color and style, and created beauty where ever she went. In fact, she created a whimsical hot pink laundry room that helped her celebrate the beauty of completing a load of laundry. She embraced the powerful role of being a mother, and the beauty of friendships. She was a kind and approachable person, who always had time to stop and help anyone in need.
With a magnetic personality, Stephanie was blessed with a multitude of friends. She cherished her friendships and organized many social activities in her neighborhood. She was the founder of a Bunko group (who never seemed to play, just talk and eat) and she formed an annual Christmas caroling group for children.
Her greatest accomplishment in life was taking care of her family. Stephanie took great pride in being a mother and building a loving home. She was an active member of the PTA and volunteered for a number of roles within her children’s school.
Stephanie was a remarkable soul, who left a unique footprint wherever she went. She loved life. She loved laughing. She loved her children. She loved her husband. She loved God. She will never be forgotten.
The Mudcats will be collecting donations this weekend during the Monster Bash Baseball Tournament sponsored by Midwest Sports Productions who have generously joined us in support of this worthwhile cause. Please bring whatever spare change you have to help support those currently fighting for their lives. If you would like to make a donation directly to the foundation, you can do so by writing a check to The Stephanie Vest Foundation and give it to the tournament directors. Your donation is tax deductible.
On behalf of the 12U Mudcats Baseball Team, The Stephanie Vest Foundation as well as those going to battle daily in their fight against cancer – we Thank You for your generous giving to those in need.