On August 9 in Uniontown, Ohio, the McLaughlin family hosted the “Swing for a Cure” softball tournament to raise money for FARA on behalf of their daughter Lilly and close friend McKenzie. Their families are both from nearby towns in Ohio and had no knowledge of each other until recently but are now great friends!
The day began with an exciting softball tournament, where teams, families, and friends came together to play and support. Lilly and McKenzie could be found at the booth, handing out FARA merch or checking out all the different games. Thanks to the generosity of all who attended, as well as the raffle items donated by local businesses and community members, we raised over $5,000 this year!
Every dollar raised, every raffle ticket purchased, and every T-shirt worn not only brings us one step closer to advancing research and finding a cure, but it also helps us raise awareness in the meantime. My favorite part of this event was seeing the community really come together and generously donate their time, among other things, to be a part of making it happen. The love, encouragement, and dedication shown by everyone who participated remind us that we are not alone in this journey.
This tournament will hopefully become a tradition that we look forward to, and it will grow stronger with every game played. On behalf of McKenzie, Lilly, and the entire FA community, we sincerely thank you for donating your time, energy, and support. Together, we are making a real difference, and we will continue to fight for a cure!
Written by Hayden Howard, FARA ambassador