Fundraiser Recipients
2025 Recipients
Support for Erik – A Father of Seven on the Road to Recovery
On April 14th, our lives stopped in an instant when Erik Fiely—husband and father of seven—suffered a hemorrhagic stroke, causing a massive brain bleed. Erik was flown to OSU for emergency surgery to remove a large portion of his skull to allow for his brain to swell. His recovery has been amazing, beginning in a coma and on a ventilator at OSU, to a couple of weeks at the Brain & Spine Hospital, to a rehab recovery hospital in Fort Wayne, to today, where Erik is back home with our family under home health care and therapy. Erik is back to his witty self but still has little use of his left side and has a long road of recovery and therapy ahead along with another brain surgery to replace his skull. Our prayer is with patience, grace and hard work, life will return to normal again and he can return to work. Erik’s Catholic faith and his family are most important to him. We appreciate continued prayers for him & our family during his recovery. All glory to God!
Support for Gabriella – A Brave Girl Living with Aicardi Syndrome
Gabriella Frantz is a bright and resilient young girl living with Aicardi Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder. Her diagnosis includes three key features: partial or complete absence of the corpus callosum (which connects the two sides of the brain), seizures, and chorioretinal lacunae—holes in the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. She also faces additional challenges, including a brain cyst, blindness in her right eye, scoliosis, and missing ribs and vertebrae. These contribute to muscle weakness and developmental delays that affect her speech, movement, and communication. A seizure alert dog will be life-changing for Gabriella—helping protect her during seizures, offering stability, and providing emotional support. Thanks to generous donors, the first phase of fundraising—for the dog itself—is complete! Next, we’re raising funds for a fenced-in area at home and travel expenses for the nine-day training and placement program in fall 2026. Your support will help Ella take the next big step on her journey to greater safety and independence.
Support For Joe – A Fighter in Every Sense
We are deeply saddened to share that Joe Homan passed away on July 15, 2025, after a courageous battle with melanoma. Our hearts are with his family during this incredibly difficult time. Joe’s journey began in May 2022 with a Stage 2 melanoma diagnosis on the left side of his neck. After surgery that August, doctors were hopeful, having removed all visible cancer. Sadly, the melanoma returned in May 2023 and had progressed to Stage 4. Joe faced another surgery and a year-long treatment plan with strength and determination. In March 2025, the cancer spread to his brain, and by April, additional tumors were found in his lung and leg. Joe underwent radiation and immunotherapy, continuing to fight with remarkable spirit and resilience. Joe’s strength, positivity, and love for his family never wavered. He was an inspiration to all who knew him, and his memory will continue to live on through the lives he touched.
Support for Deb – Fighting Glioblastoma with Faith and Determination
Deb Giere was diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma on December 30, 2024. Just a week later, she underwent brain surgery, and her family was given the devastating prognosis of 12–18 months. Refusing to give up, Deb and her loved ones committed to pursuing every possible treatment option. After surgery, Deb completed two weeks of physical and occupational therapy before traveling to Mayo Clinic and Phoenix in search of advanced care. While Mayo’s protocol matched Ohio State’s, Phoenix offered hope through immunotherapy—an option not covered by insurance. She returned to Ohio State for chemotherapy and radiation, and later traveled to Munich, Germany, for dendritic cell therapy. This innovative treatment works by turning on the body’s own “fighter cells,” training her immune system to recognize and attack the cancer. Though expensive and entirely out of pocket, Deb and her family felt it was her best chance. Now, they wait to see if the therapy is working—upcoming MRIs will help determine its effectiveness. A recent scan showed some tumor growth, and Deb underwent another surgery on July 1 to remove it. Doctors believe this will give her immune system a better chance to respond. Her condition mimics stroke symptoms, limiting use of her left arm and leg, and requiring daily assistance. Still, Deb remains in good spirits, leaning on her strong faith, the love of her family, and the incredible support from her community. Your generosity helps ease the financial burden of these life-extending treatments and gives Deb the chance to keep fighting with hope.
Support for Ron – A Devoted Father Facing Life After Cancer
Ron Kunk is a dedicated single father with full custody of his teenage daughter. Recently, he was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer—a life-altering diagnosis that led to a total laryngectomy, removing his voice box and leaving him unable to speak. In addition to losing his ability to communicate verbally, Ron has required both a feeding tube and a laryngeal tube during his recovery. The physical toll, combined with communication challenges, has made it impossible for him to return to work. He is currently unemployed and facing an uncertain medical future, unsure of how extensive his ongoing care will need to be. Despite these challenges, Ron remains focused on being there for his daughter. Your support will help ease the financial burden as he navigates recovery, healing, and the unknowns ahead.
Support for Rob – A Journey of Recovery and Resilience
On the evening of April 3, 2025, Rob Westgerdes was working on a motorcycle with a friend in a garage bay connected to a turkey barn. When they attempted to start the bike, it backfired near a portable gas tank on the ground. The resulting ignition caused severe burns, affecting approximately 48–55% of his body with 2nd- and 3rd-degree burns to his face, chest, abdomen, thighs, hands, and genital area. Rob was immediately transferred to Miami Valley Burn Center, where he was briefly intubated and began intensive treatment. Over the course of 1.5 months, he underwent multiple procedures including routine debridement, ReCell skin therapy, and grafting using fish skin and cadaver tissue. Now back home in Coldwater, Rob is focused on recovery. He is working hard through occupational and physical therapy to regain the use of his hands and relearn essential daily functions. His strength and determination are truly inspiring.
Cancer Association of Mercer County
The Cancer Association of Mercer County (CAMC) is a non-profit tax exempt organization, which became incorporated in 1997. CAMC is totally local and independent with a Mercer County Board. It was created solely for the purpose of helping cancer patients of Mercer County, Ohio survive their disease physically, emotionally and financially. Their mission statement is "Where there is help, there is hope". They hold multiple fundraising events throughout the year like the Wally Post Open, Stone Tiger Challenge, Hopefest, Guy's Night Out & Girl's Night Out
Muscular Dystrophy Association
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is the #1 voluntary health organization in the United States for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases. For over 70 years, MDA has led the way in accelerating research, advancing care, and advocating for the support of their families. MDA's mission is to empower the people we serve to live longer, more independent lives. The MDA was the reason why this tournament began. For 40 years our organization and softball tournament donated 100% of the funds to the MDA for research & care and services. We value this organization for what they do and continue to donate proceeds from this tournament along with local organizations and families in need.
