The Daytona State College Softball team joined the American Cancer Society and the National Fastpitch Coaches Association to StrikeOut cancer on Saturday, October 19th.

The Lady Falcons won each of their games in the round robin tournament. Greater than the wins was the amount of support for the StrikeOut Cancer initiative. This cause unites the American Cancer Society and the National Fastpitch Coaches Association to help raise funds and awareness to fight cancer. The Program helps increase cancer education and promotes healthy living through awareness efforts and fundraising activities.

Fans were encouraged to make a monetary donation for the cause.  A gift basket full of Daytona State gear was raffled off to one lucky Falcon Fan. The event's profits and donations were given to the American Cancer Society in honor of the Sims and Sopotnick families.

Kate Sims, an outfielder from Virginia, wears a pink bow each game in honor of her parents. Kitty and Tom Sims lost their lives to cancer within months of each other.  Tom passed in November of 2011 from pancreatic cancer just after Kate committed to Daytona State College.  Her mother, Kitty, battled breast cancer for seven years before passing in March of 2011. The Sims were huge fans of the sport and would have been proud to watch Kate and the Lady Falcons play with such a great cause in mind.

Chelsea Sopotnick is a former Lady Falcon who graduated in 2011 from Daytona State before transferring to the University of Florida. Chelsea graduated from UF last spring with a degree in Sports Management.  Recently her mother, Suzie Sopotnick, was diagnosed with breast cancer and is currently undergoing treatment. Chelsea threw out the first pitch for her mom at Saturday's games. Suzie was in the stands to enjoy the event. The day's donations helped further the fight against cancer and provided hope for the Sopotnick Family.

Participating in StrikeOut Cancer goes a long way to help eliminate cancer and improve the quality of life for all people touched by the disease. Contributions raised through the program help the American Cancer Society fund groundbreaking cancer research, provide up-to-date cancer information and education, advocate for public health policies that benefit the community, and provide services that improve the quality of life for patients and their families. Thanks to the support of our Falcon Fans, the Society can help all people with cancer, empowering them to fight back against the disease, and save lives.