June 21, 2012 at 3:10 p.m.
Knights, Ethan's Shining Light combine for clinic Sunday
The Knights host Argyle at 1 p.m. in a key Western Section contest that has play-off implications.
Prior pre-game activities the Knights will hold a free baseball clinic for boys and girls 12 and under. Registration starts at 10:30 a.m. with the clinic set to start at 10:45 a.m. The clinic will last until 11:50 at which time participants can meet the Knights, get autographs, receive baseballs and team pictures also former Knight and current Madison Mallards Pitcher Danny Sullivan will be available for autographs at 10:30 a.m.
Ethan's Shining Light Foundation will provide a hot dog, chips and juice for all kids who come to the park at no cost.
The clinic will include instruction on hitting, catching, throwing and will be structured so all participants will be successful.
There will be a drawing for one of the participants to throw out the first pitch at 1 p.m.
There will also be fun events between some of the innings.
For information contact Pat Reilly at 935-2331 or 341-8629.
The Knights are turning the concession stand over to the Foundation and they will retain the proceeds. There will also be a 50/50 raffle and other chances to support the Foundation.
The Foundation was formed in memory of Ethan Smith, a young boy who lost his battle with leukemia a few years ago.
According to the Foundation's web page:
"We are here to help educate and provide funds to help organizations in memory of Ethan ("E").
Proceeds from our fundraising are to provide support and assistance to Iowa County pediatric patients, their families and, to organizations dedicated to finding a cure. We will also provide scholarships to person(s) pursuing a career in a medical field, preferably Hematology/Oncology, nursing or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT); and also person(s) pursuing a career in Fire/Rescue, teaching and Social Services."
His parents, Jenny and Travis Smith shared the following:
"We started this foundation in memory of our son, Ethan.
"Ethan was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in June 2006. He was 23-months old. In July 2006 he was considered in remission and started the 3 1/2 year journey of chemotherapy and radiation.
"In August of 2008, Ethan relapsed. We had a bone marrow transplant from sister Lilly in December of 2008.
"2009 was a cancer-free year. And we had a BLAST! Ethan had like 3 birthday parties and we went to the zoo and did as much as possible. He started school at DES and LOVED it!
"January of 2010, Ethan relapsed one last time. He started chemotherapy one last time, to no avail. We got the option to go to the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis for a shot of a new treatment regimen that looked promising. We were admitted on April 12, 2010.
"Everything looked like it was going the way we wanted. He was so happy and active. Then on May 6, Ethan passed away. He was done fighting and went to the next place.
"We can only wait to see him again, until then, we plan to help as many families as we can that are going through what we have gone through for the past four years."
"It's A Beautiful Day!"
