On March 3, 2011, Madeline Schmitt, Shelton resident and former Board of Education member, received news that changed her life.
A visit to the eye doctor due to a loss of peripheral vision in her left eye led to a diagnosis of Choroidal (Ocular) Melanoma.
Ocular Melanoma (OM) is a cancerous tumor (melanoma) that grows in the eye. It is a rare disease, affecting six people per million each year in the United States. As a result of the disease, Schmitt’s left eye was removed in 2013.
Despite a less than positive prognosis, Schmitt realized that she needed to do something.
“I just couldn’t sit back and do nothing. I decided to raise money to help find a cure for this dreadful disease,” Schmitt said.
Her son, BJ Schmitt, planned a softball tournament.
The first annual MRS softball tournament was planned for Aug. 17, 2013. Nine teams (Eye Strong, Kitchenmax, Anna’s Place, CDW, Drivers, Porky’s, Danny O’s, Jeremiah’s, and Sphynx Electric) from Shelton participated in the double elimination wood-bat tournament.
With generous donations from David Grant Catering, Blanchette’s Sporting Goods, Addeo’s Italian Ice, Dunkin Donuts (Howe Avenue Location), Cityline Distributers, Pioneer Gas, Crystal Restoration, JP McGuire, and Success Supermarket, participants and spectators enjoyed food and refreshments.
Article continues after photos, courtesy of Amanda Eye Karpenko.
The Schmitt family is very grateful for the generosity of the participants, corporate sponsors, friends, and family. Thanks to their generosity over $3,500 was raised that will be donated to the Melanoma Research Foundation (CURE OM initiative).
The Schmitt family plans to make the MRS softball tournament an annual event.
“No matter what, I want my children to continue with this tournament until a cure is found. My hope is that the money we raised will fund the research that can find a cure and help others who are diagnosed with this disease,” Schmitt said.
A website for donating to the CURE OM initiative has been created for those who still wish to donate.
Anyone wishing to donate can CLICK THIS LINK.
