When Clear Lake High head softball coach Kirstie Curry heard the husband of her daughter’s second grade teacher was battling cancer, she knew she wanted to do something to help. That inspiration evolved into her team’s StrikeOut Cancer game on March 20 against Clear Brook, which brought out the community in full force to support the Elmore family.

Unfortunately, just a few weeks before the game was held, Randy Elmore lost his battle, and the event pivoted to raise money in support of his widow, Kelsey, and their two young daughters. They created t-shirts to help fill the stands with pink, and Kelsey’s elementary school contributed gift baskets that were raffled off. As an additional fundraising measure, fans at the game were able to buy strikeouts, home runs and innings.

At the end of day, the game raised just under $5,000 to support the Elmore family.

“Kelsey works at the elementary school down the street from our high school and is my daughter's second grade teacher this year,” Curry explained. “When we heard the news that her husband was battling cancer, I knew that we needed to do whatever we could to help support them.” 

“I talked to my admin and my booster club about putting together a benefit event at a home game, and of course they were all in full support. My athletes did a great job calling local businesses to collect gift cards as well as sponsorships. And the Falcon Pass Elementary community supported our event and came out to the game in full force.”

Curry said the day took on much more significance than an ordinary softball game.

“Our StrikeOut Cancer game meant more to me than just a night on the field,” she said. “It was a reminder of how powerful a community can be when it comes together for something bigger than the game itself. Seeing everyone wearing the same colors, honoring loved ones, and playing with purpose made the experience unforgettable.”

Elmore, who threw out the ceremonial first pitch with her girls by her side, was moved by the show of support from Curry and the entire community.

“This has been an unbelievably difficult time for me and my girls as we navigate the loss of my husband/their dad,” Elmore said. “The love and support from our community have carried us in ways I never imagined was possible.”

“The StrikeOut Cancer game was such an emotional and beautiful night for our family. I remember pulling into the parking lot and just crying tears of joy seeing all the cars at first. Then, walking in and seeing the stands filled with pink, the t-shirts with ‘We love the Elmores’ and sponsors’ names on the back, the raffle baskets filled with donated items, and just the overwhelming presence of people showing up for us was something I will never forget.”

She said the support has helped them navigate an unbelievably difficult time.

“In the middle of so much grief, it reminded us that we are not alone and how loved we are,” Elmore said. “It gave us strength, comfort, and a sense of hope on a night when we needed it most. I wish Randy could have heard me share all about the love and support his girls are getting.” 

“The softball team, Coach Curry, my school family, and community have wrapped their arms around us with so much love. I am beyond grateful for every single person who showed up, supported, and lifted us up during this time. It meant the world to me and my girls, and it’s something we will carry with us always. Randy was a joy to be around, and community meant everything to him. I know he's so proud and smiling over the support we are receiving.”

Do you have a story about how cancer has touched your life? Sharing your story can be such an inspiration to others who are dealing with cancer in their own life. Whether it's your story of how cancer has affected you personally, or a story of how cancer has touched someone else in your life, feel free to share your story with us at strikeout@nfca.org and allow us to share it with others who are joining in this fight.

Questions? Email us at strikeout@nfca.org or call 502-409-4600.