Cancer Center Run/Walk is a team effort for SBCC softball

SBCC softball players Bryn Thompson, left, and Alyse Harris, right, led the Vaqueros to a second-place finish last season in the?WSC Gold Division and a regional playoff berth.

The Santa Barbara City College Women?s Softball Team is participating in the 20th Annual Cancer Center of Santa Barbara Walk/Run this Sunday.

The 24 members and coaching staff at SBCC are running in memory of many people who have touched their individual lives, however are dedicating their fundraising efforts for the legacy of Julie Main?s Team. Julie Main was committed in her support of the Cancer Well-Fit Exercise Program that she created in collaboration with the Cancer Center of Santa Barbara. She served as a model to other cancer survivors to use exercise to improve their own quality of life. Tragically, Julie Main lost her long and courageous battle with cancer in 2009.

By Paula Congleton

Since then, Diane Baskin has befriended the Women?s Softball team and has developed a close relationship with Head Coach, Dr. Paula Congleton. Diane has been inspired by the young ladies efforts and commitment to raising money for the Cancer Center. This year the team has already raised more than last year?s 2 thousand dollars. So far the SBCC softball team has raised close to $2,900.00.

Coach Congleton feels strongly that community service is an important aspect of her player?s lives; however, this particular event resonates with all of them. Breast Cancer is the leading cause of death of women in California. Each player and coach on the team has been affected by someone in their family being diagnosed with some form of cancer.

The effort the team has put forth after meeting Diane Baskin has also been heart felt especially after hearing Julie Main?s story from her mother Diane. Diane has expressed to the ladies that ?they bring energy and hope to her and the Cancer Center and it is wonderful to have Paula and her team as ambassadors for our cause?.