Olivet College softball team to celebrate “Strikeout Cancer” Day April 19

The Olivet College softball team will celebrate "Strikeout Cancer" Day April 19 when it hosts Finlandia University for a non-conference doubleheader, beginning at 1 p.m.

In the middle of the 2008 softball season, the Olivet College community was hit by devastating news that Adalin Farnum, the six-year-old daughter of Olivet Head Softball Coach James Farnum, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. As a way to honor Adalin, the softball coaches in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association agreed at their end-of-season meeting to host a "Strikeout Cancer" Day this spring. The rest of the MIAA will celebrate this special day April 11, when three conference doubleheaders are played.

Adalin endured many months of chemotherapy and radiation, as well as surgery at St. Jude's Hospital to remove the tumor. Recently, she had tests done, and the results came back negative, indicating no signs of cancer.

For Olivet's doubleheader, both teams will wear pink shirts and fans are also encouraged to wear pink. Adalin will throw out the first pitch. Donations for cancer research will be accepted. If you cannot attend the games but would like to make a donation, please send them in care of the Olivet College Athletic Department and note "Strikeout Cancer" on the check or money order.