Step Up To Bat Against Breast Cancer

The Hauppauge Youth Organization women's softball program is asking residents to step up to the plate and take a swing at breast cancer at Kisses for Kelly at Whitman Hollow Park this Saturday.

is a single-elimination softball tournament being hosted in honor of Kelly Feeney, 44, a Commack mother-of-three who was diagnosed with breast cancer in July. Residents are invited to join a team, at $30 per player, to help raise funds to help cover Feeney's medical bills and her family needs. 

"It's definitely not too late to sign up," said event organizer Alissa Zipperian. "We are going to have a sign-up table on the morning of Oct. 8 where people who want to play can join a team for $30."

Zipperian has played softball alongside Feeney on the HYO"s Geiger team for three years. The organizer said she clearly remembers the day Feeney shared the news she had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

"[Feeney]'s my best friend. I've known her for years. When you find something like that out, it's absolutely devastating," Zipperian said.

The Commack mother has signed up for an aggressive clinical study on breast cancer. Zipperian hopes Saturday's event will raise enough money to help the Feeney family with mounting medical bills, as treatment is not covered by insurance, and the day-to-day financial struggles related to taking time off to care for Kelly.

But more importantly to Zipperian said, is showing Feeney that the local community is there to support her as she fights breast cancer.

"It's not a matter of how many people come down or how much money we raise, that's not important," Zipperian said. "What is important is everyone is coming down and showing their support for her.

Residents can sign up to play in the softball tournament via the Kisses for Kelly website, or on the morning of the event. Those interested in playing do not need to have teams. Single players will be divided up and added or formed into teams on the morning of Oct. 8.

In addition to the softball game, HYO women's softball will be hosting a Chinese auction featuring more than 36 gift baskets from local merchants. Prizes include everything from a month of free physical training to spa treatments and dinners out. There will also be baked goods for sale from HYO soccer, face painting and other activities for children.