Tri-Village vs Franklin Monroe has long been a greatly anticipated game on our schedule. In the past it often had Conference Championship implications and although the game might be highly contested there was a mutual respect that remained no matter the outcome.
Tuesday night’s contest had a twist that will forever change the meaning of the rivalry for our family. Mitch our oldest son has been battling cancer for almost three years now. Recently an effort had been launched to raise funds for Mitchel’s medical expenses as well as creating a website that would provide updates to friends and family about his progress during treatment. The group that had organized the site was also planning a Christmas surprise for Mitch that was to be presented at the game. We were also informed just prior to game day that a group from Franklin Monroe planned to contribute a portion of the funds raised by the 50/50 drawing. This was all so very exciting for the entire family but we choose not to inform Mitch. Rather we were going to let it be a surprise for him.
Even though we thought we knew what was about to occur, even we were surprised at what eventually transpired. During the halftime of the Junior Varsity game Mason brought his brother two boxes wrapped with bows. It was obvious that there were several people aware of what was happening as a crowd gathered to watch and snap a few pictures as Mitch opened the gifts. Inside was a variety of Green Bay Packer items as well as an envelope. Inside were tickets to this Sunday’s season finale. As Mitch continued to examine the contents there was much more including airline tickets and hotel accommodations for the entire weekend. We were all overcome by such generosity and the tears started to flow. As we looked around we were not the only ones with tears flowing. Our family has gotten use to sharing tears but this time they were finally tears of joy.
During halftime of the Varsity game after a wonderful performance by the Franklin Monroe cheerleaders they updated everyone on Mitch’s progress and future plans as he continues to battle this cancer. The announcement came about how much had been collected during the 50/50 drawing and we realized again how generous so many people had been. That was just the beginning as the winner of the drawing donated the entire winning portion to Mitch. Through the remainder of the night so many people directly or indirectly added to an already incredibly generous gift. As we are writing this now there are still calls and donations being made. Thank you all so very much!
In a time when the news is filled with conflict and protest and we see atheletes pound their chest with pride while defiantly stepping over an opponent, it is so very comforting to know that two communities come together to share a common goal. Our family is so blessed to be a part of this community and we are very grateful to so many people that have been so generous. All the kind words and especially the prayers are so encouraging to our family. We will be eternally grateful for all the support and joy that you have brought to our family.
Mike Missy Mitch Mason
Tuesday night’s contest had a twist that will forever change the meaning of the rivalry for our family. Mitch our oldest son has been battling cancer for almost three years now. Recently an effort had been launched to raise funds for Mitchel’s medical expenses as well as creating a website that would provide updates to friends and family about his progress during treatment. The group that had organized the site was also planning a Christmas surprise for Mitch that was to be presented at the game. We were also informed just prior to game day that a group from Franklin Monroe planned to contribute a portion of the funds raised by the 50/50 drawing. This was all so very exciting for the entire family but we choose not to inform Mitch. Rather we were going to let it be a surprise for him.
Even though we thought we knew what was about to occur, even we were surprised at what eventually transpired. During the halftime of the Junior Varsity game Mason brought his brother two boxes wrapped with bows. It was obvious that there were several people aware of what was happening as a crowd gathered to watch and snap a few pictures as Mitch opened the gifts. Inside was a variety of Green Bay Packer items as well as an envelope. Inside were tickets to this Sunday’s season finale. As Mitch continued to examine the contents there was much more including airline tickets and hotel accommodations for the entire weekend. We were all overcome by such generosity and the tears started to flow. As we looked around we were not the only ones with tears flowing. Our family has gotten use to sharing tears but this time they were finally tears of joy.
During halftime of the Varsity game after a wonderful performance by the Franklin Monroe cheerleaders they updated everyone on Mitch’s progress and future plans as he continues to battle this cancer. The announcement came about how much had been collected during the 50/50 drawing and we realized again how generous so many people had been. That was just the beginning as the winner of the drawing donated the entire winning portion to Mitch. Through the remainder of the night so many people directly or indirectly added to an already incredibly generous gift. As we are writing this now there are still calls and donations being made. Thank you all so very much!
In a time when the news is filled with conflict and protest and we see atheletes pound their chest with pride while defiantly stepping over an opponent, it is so very comforting to know that two communities come together to share a common goal. Our family is so blessed to be a part of this community and we are very grateful to so many people that have been so generous. All the kind words and especially the prayers are so encouraging to our family. We will be eternally grateful for all the support and joy that you have brought to our family.
Mike Missy Mitch Mason