“Slamphoma” At NU: You Can Help Kaely Beat Lymphoma

Kaely Kwitek is vibrant, beautiful and her smile lights up the room.  Shes an excellent student and a cheerleader at Orchard Park High School.  Kaely comes from a very large and loving family.  The 16-year-old is also facing the battle of her life. 

Kaely is one of five children in the Kwitek family.  Her mother, Maggie, works helping disadvantaged children and families in crisis.  It's because of her work that Kaely was chosen to be this years "guest of honor" at "Slamphoma: Knocking Leukemia and Lymphoma Outta the Park."

Kaely was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma after having her gall bladder and appendix removed and suffering through discomfort while doctors searched for the cause of Kaely's health problems.

Lymphoma is the third most common type of childhood cancer, it attacks the bone marrow, spleen and lymph nodes/glands.

Kaely's chemotherapy and radiation treatment will last at least 15 months.  She is determined to win.  Family and friends are determined as well.  (Click here, to watch Kaely's video.)

The Niagara University Women's Softball Team will hold its 2nd annual "Slamphoma" event next weekend to help Kaely's parents cover the cost of saving their daughter's life.  A homerun derby will take place at 4:00 after a double header at NU's Lady Purple Eagles Softball Diamond Sunday, April 15th.  The event will raise money for Kaely's family with all donations and proceeds from the team's concession sales, basket raffle and 50/50 go directly to Roswell Park to pay Kaely's medical bills.

"Slamphoma" organizers are still seeking donations of any kind to help with the event, contact dirsch@Niagara.edu.

Monetary donations can be sent to:

Niagara University Softball

Upper Level Gallagher Center

P.O. Box 2009

Niagara University, N.Y. 14109

"Slamphoma" organizers ask that you "Please pray for this wonderful family and all those whose lives are impacted by this horrible disease."

Each year, "Slamphoma" benefits a different individual diagnosed with leukemia or lymphoma.  Niagara University Softball Coach Al Dirschberger and his wife, Ann-Marie Dirschberger organized the first ever "Slamphoma" last season to benefit NU Softball Alum Jenna Baker.  Al Dirschberger is also a leukemia survivor.