Softball Adds Newest Teammate Through Work with Friends of Jaclyn Foundation
Friday, November 13, 2009 | Softball
The University of Florida softball team introduced their newest team member to fans at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium before the Gators' final fall game on Friday, Nov. 13. Before the Gators took on Chipola College, Heather Braswell was presented with a Florida jersey, threw out the first pitch and high-fived the other players as her name was announced in the starting lineup. However, unlike the other members of the team, she isn't majoring in education, finance or health sciences because she just recently turned 13 years old.
Heather became a Gator when the softball team adopted her through the Friends of Jaclyn organization. After being diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a malignant brain tumor, in the beginning of 2008 and enduring almost three rounds of chemotherapy, Heather was excited to learn on Oct. 7 that she was part of the Gator family.
Friends of Jaclyn matches children who have brain tumors with high school and college athletic teams to provide support for the child and spread awareness of brain tumors throughout the community. Currently, 125 children have been adopted by a team and there are over 1,000 teams on the waiting list.
While Heather met the team for the first time in October, during this visit she was presented with her own Florida Gators softball jersey and threw the first pitch of the game to become the youngest player to take to the mound in school history.
“We are extremely excited for Heather to join our team,” head coach Tim Walton said. “Her story is an inspiration for all of us and we are honored to be part of her journey. We are looking forward to getting to know her as she will definitely make a positive impact on our lives with her strength, courage and character. Today is a great day to be a Florida Gator.”
The softball team frequently checks in with Heather by leaving comments on her Web site and texting or calling her. The team is always eager to see how Heather is feeling and share their experiences, on and off the field, with her. Before the game with Chipola, the team met with Heather and her mother for a pre-game meal and gave her birthday presents.
Senior Francesca Enea (Woodland Hills, Calif.) heard about FOJ from friends and thought it would be a great way for her team to reach out.
“Friends of Jaclyn provides an opportunity for something so special,” Enea said. “Our adoption of Heather celebrates our relationship with her as we become committed to offer love, support and friendship. We are really excited to be part of her journey and can't wait to see what lies ahead.”
Although Heather has not actively played softball, she has practiced pitching a few times so she seemed like a season professional when throwing out the first pitch. Heather said she was very happy and excited when she found out she was adopted by the Florida Gators.
“The girls are nice and funny,” Heather said.
Heather and her mother Terri agree that having the support of the softball team through phone calls and text messages help Heather get through the day.
“This came at a really a good time for her,” Terri said. “She's had a hard time adjusting going back to school and dealing with the death of some of her friends. Once we heard she was adopted, it really brought the spring back in her step.”
Although Heather was born and raised a Florida State Seminole, her mom admits they are now a Gator family.
Visit Heather's Web site at www.caringbridge.org/visit/heatherbraswell and receive more information about Friends of Jaclyn at www.friendsofjaclyn.org
