HOLLYWOOD, FLA. (WSVN) – Raylee Leiman is a person of the best high university softball players in Broward County and the state, but what this St. Thomas Aquinas player does off the field is, in a way, a lot more vital than what she does on sport working day for the Raiders.
“When I’m on the discipline, I’m usually wondering about these youngsters,” mentioned Leiman.
Leiman has devoted her time absent from softball and faculty to assist raise cash at the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Healthcare facility, which specializes in dealing with pediatric most cancers.
“These young ones became my explanation to enjoy softball,” stated Leiman. “When I’m not playing nicely, there are children in the healthcare facility that want to be actively playing. They really do not care what the effects are. So, I consider to put myself, not in their sneakers, but to consider what their minds could be wondering at the time. They could be on the area, but I am on the field.”
Leiman’s nonprofit basis has elevated almost $50,000. In August 2022, she donated $5,000 to the Jeff Conine Clubhouse at the medical center. A previous Marlin star started off the lodge-like facility where by families can remain for totally free when their youngsters receive everyday living-preserving most cancers cure.
“I consider that what I’m carrying out doesn’t get rid of what the young children are going via, but it does assist their people be extra present for them and it allows them commit time with each and every other and not fear so considerably about the stressors. They’re by no means going to quit, but at minimum they can be lifted off for a tiny bit,” mentioned Leiman.
Leiman’s passion to enable youngsters with cancer was influenced by former St. Thomas Aquinas player, now assistant Raiders softball mentor, C.J. Parsons. In the eighth grade, she dealt with most cancers.
“I was identified with ITP, which is a blood platelet difficulty,” she stated. “I ended up on the most cancers flooring for about two weeks. I experienced all the really like in the planet from my buddies and family. Sadly, the other persons on the exact same floor as me did not have their family members there and their pals.”
Parsons commenced the charity that was eventually passed on to Leiman.
“When I initially took on this basis, I was contemplating about my grandparents and how they equally went by way of cancer, the cure process and everything like that,” stated Leiman. “So, they were being the explanation why I was likely to get on this basis. [C.J.] definitely trustworthy me with it and at initially, I was not comfortable. I did not assume it was for me, but as I took it on and became more assured with it, I tripled the dimensions of what she experienced.”
Leiman not too long ago raised $26,000 at her charity poker event with Dolphins linebacker Jerome Baker serving to her foundation. She designs on continuing her softball vocation at NC Point out and will be involved in the children’s clinic in Raleigh, North Carolina.
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