In 2017, Shelley Eppers was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a type of blood cancer, and has since, in her words, "directly benefited from the incredible doctors and staff at Memorial Sloan Kettering and will continue to do so throughout my cancer journey."See related storyThe Newtown Youth Basketball Association's (NYBA) Senior League girls' and boys' all star and boys' championship games unfolded in support of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, in honor of Ms Eppers, mother of one of the participants, NHS senior Harry Eppers (giving.mskcc.org; and for details about the American Red Cross, go to themmrf.org.redcrossblood.orgTo learn more about the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center visit

That journey had a stop at the Newtown High School gymnasium on March 15, where several Newtown High students used their athletic prowess as a platform to join forces and battle more than just the opposition - cancer - by raising money for research, while supporting a friend/peer/teammate.

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The event was originally scheduled for the night before, but got postponed as a result of the varsity boys' basketball team's advancement to the state tourney semifinals the same night. Postponing the date one day did not deter supporters. Community members came out in full force; they packed the stands and helped raise $2,500 for the cause while Ms Eppers battles cancer.

"He's one of my great friends and I knew his mom was going through a lot. I wanted to help out emotionally for her, and raise some money to help out," said Kyle Roche, a teammate of Harry's on the Newtown High baseball team, and a fellow Senior League basketball player, who was instrumental in helping organize the event.

"It was obviously pretty close to my heart. I have a great support cast of friends and family that are selfless and put my family and their needs before theirs," Harry said. "It's great to see the community come together for a greater cause and enjoy sports too."

The school's Culinary Department donated food for the fundraiser.

Senior League T-shirts were designed by NHS student Ryan Patrick, and brought in $1,280 of the total money raised. The shirts read "Newtown Senior League - Where Chumps Become Champs," and were a hit with the participants and their friends and family members alike.

Ms Eppers was touched by the efforts of her son and his classmates, as well as by the community backing.

"I am so incredibly proud of these young adults and their efforts to raise awareness and money for Memorial Sloan Kettering. They are a testament to their parents and this community on how kindness can dramatically influence today's society. When they came up with the fundraising idea they worked tirelessly from T-shirt design, shopping, printing, and advertising. I am thrilled for them and how successful their efforts have been," Ms Eppers said. "What a joy it was to see so many fans at the Senior League championship game and so many with their T-shirts on. This money raised will continue the groundbreaking care Memorial Sloan Kettering gives its patients everyday and that makes me happy."

The event committee included the NYBA board members, along with Senior League captains Jackson Buchler, Ryan Patrick, Harry Eppers, Kyle Roche, Grant Moxham, Cayden Dunn, and Sarah Houle.

Setup Committee members were Annabel Terry, Gabby Sadowski, Lea Sundberg, Abby Grenier, Olivia Belden, and Lauren Belden (sophomores who play in the girls' division of the Senior League).

The fundraising event featured halftime contests (read about the winners of these competitions, as well as game results, on Page B-2). Cayden Dunn and Grant Moxham organized the halftime events, which brought in $5 per participant. Tyler Trede and Kyle Chernoff helped with halftime contests which were led by committee members Grant, Kyle, and Cayden. Additional volunteers included student public address announcers Jackson, Jacob Rooney, AJ Salaris, and Wyatt Moyers.

"The seniors have really stepped up," said Laura Terry, vice president of administration for NYBA.

Ms Eppers is a proud mom of boys who are all active in NYBA and baseball in Newtown. Harry is 18, Sam 16, Charlie 15, George 11, and Pete 9.

In late 2017, Harry, with the help of classmate Rory Edwards organized a Red Cross blood drive to help his mom. Upon finding out that unlike most states Connecticut prohibits blood donations from 16-year-olds without parental consent and seeing dozens of prospective donors unable to help because of this law, Harry decided to do something about it. He worked with local Representative Mitch Bolinsky to promote introducing a bill to the state Legislature's Public Health Committee, allowing 16-year-olds in Connecticut to donate blood without consent of parents. Harry is optimistic that the change will be made at some point.

"The love and support my family has received from our friends and this community have been humbling and overwhelming. Whether it has been through meals, blood donations, fundraisers, or prayers, this community has impacted not only my life, but others who are fighting. I am just one of millions who are impacted by cancer everyday. I believe it is not the diagnosis that defines the journey, it is those who are with you along the way," Ms Eppers said. "Sometimes, the words thank you just don't seem sufficient, but we are so very thankful. I am blessed and grateful for everyone who continues on my path, it keeps me lifted."

; for information on the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation visit