Bruins Strike a Blow Against Cancer
The Bellevue University baseball team raised $1,048 with its annual Tanner’s Day game, a fundraiser to benefit the fight against Ewing’s Sarcome, a malignant bone cancer which affects children. Brian Embery’s bases-clearing double in the bottom of the fourth inning helped the Bruins defeat Briar Cliff, 4-1, in the April 28 contest at Werner Park.
In addition to the money raised through the gate and pass the bucket efforts at the game, two anonymous donations of $5,000 and $2,500 were made directly to CureSearch. These donations have been made each year the Tanner’s Day game has been held.
“The turnout for Tanner’s Day was outstanding. The weather at Werner Park for the game was terrific. Just a great day for baseball and supporting a great cause,” said Duane Monlux, Head Baseball Coach at Bellevue University. “We hope to keep building this event each year.”
Nolan “Zeke” Zikas, a 16-year old from Papillion, Nebraska, who is battling osteosarcoma, threw out the first pitch.
The game is named for Tanner Christian Lusk, who had moved to Omaha with her family to seek additional treatment in her fight against Ewing’s Sarcoma. In April 2006, the Bruin baseball squad adopted Tanner after seeing her story on the news. Tanner and her family attended practices and games and the team attended her birthday party in the fall of 2006.
Tanner died on September 19, 2007, a few months short of her 10th birthday. The Bruins honor her memory with the Tanner’s Day game each season.
For more coverage of Tanner’s Day on the Bruin Sports website, click here.