Terrapins Baseball Vs Cancer
Once again the Maryland Terrapins baseball team partnered with the Vs. Cancer Foundation to raise funds and awareness for the fight against cancer. Their efforts were capped off on Saturday April 19th where Terps players had their heads shaved after defeating the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Fans also participated in a balloon tribute, releasing a balloon in honor of those that lost their battle with the terrible disease.
Head shaving to show support for those fighting cancer has become a fairly common practice in the athletic community from peewee leagues all the way to the professional teams. It seems this is almost the natural response to hearing the news that someone is facing a battle with cancer. However, despite the frequency of these supportive head shavings, they have not fallen into the trap of cliché.
Despite the fact that this was not the first time I read a story such as this, I was still moved by the actions of the Terrapins players. I am certain that I am not the only one either. My mother is a cancer survivor and when I saw what the Terps players had done I was reminded of the struggle my mom had to go through. I was reminded of the strain and pressure and worry that it caused her and our family as she went through the rigors of Chemo therapy. But more than that it reminded me of the unbelievable attitude and optimism my mother showed throughout the entire ordeal. My mother never lost her smile and never gave up hope. She’s three years cancer free now.
What I see in the actions of the Terrapins baseball team is the seeds of hope. College guys, who don’t have to stop and take the time to care about a kid they don’t even know, are doing so anyway. The truth is that kids are going to look up to athletes, sometimes even adults are going to as well. When those athletes set an example of caring and giving, I believe we should take extra notice.
We don’t know who or when cancer is going to strike but we know the importance of having love and support around when faced with difficult circumstances.I know for a fact that alone I would not have the strength and courage displayed by my mom. I would be in desperate need of inspiration and support. Inspirations and support like what was shown by the Terps on Saturday may very well help save a life before the money raised is even spent.
I applaud the actions of the Maryland Terrapins and any who contribute in any way to such causes like the Vs. Cancer Foundation. I live over a thousand miles from College Park and was inspired by what I witnessed April 19th. Again, I’m sure I’m not the only one.
For more on the Terrapins work with Vs. Cancer Foundation you can read the story here http://www.umterps.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=209473634&DB_OEM_ID=29700
