Swing for Life raises money for research through sports

Photo courtesy of Kathy Howa

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From left, Mark, Kyle and Laura Aberton organize a ?pink? cancer awareness game to raise funds for cancer research.

SALT LAKE CITY - Swing for Life is an organization that uses sporting events to raise money for cancer research. "I am so proud to see these kids out there on the field in pink raising awareness and money for research," said Kathy Howa, founder and breast cancer survivor.

Howa, president of Swing for Life, started the organization eight years ago when she was diagnosed the disease. She is a member of Saint Jude Maronite Parish, and a physical education teacher and coach at Rowland Hall-St. Mark's School. The first cancer awareness game began with students at Rowland Hall with the help of one of the athletic directors. "The kids were having so much fun with the softball game that it has spread to different sports," said Howa. "Games are now played in volleyball, soccer and football. So far we have raised $548,000. We also educate the kids so they understand why they are raising money. It has become so popular that doctors are going into the schools to talk to the kids."

Kyle Aberton, a senior at Cottonwood High School, planned the first cancer awareness football game, which opened the door for other football events, said Howa; a game will be held between state champions on Aug. 29 at Rice Eccles Stadium. "It is really neat that they are going to use this game of champions for a great cause," said Howa.

"All of the money raised goes to the Huntsman Cancer Institute," she added "Jon Huntsman underwrites all expenses, so when foundations donate, it all goes to research. None of it is used for salaries or overhead expenses. One of my main goals for Swing for Life is to keep our organization so we don't have to pay people to do this. I want to keep it as a community service effort to give as much money to research as we can to find a cure.

Howa said Swing for Life is in the high schools and colleges in Utah, and all over the United States. "It's unbelievable. It really touches me being a cancer survivor, more than you can imagine, every time I go to one of these games," she said.

"We had 30 softball teams standing out on the field on April 23, and all I could do was cry. We had a 15- year-old girl on one of the teams who had just been diagnosed with ovarian cancer," said Howa. "She was in the center and we dedicated the game to her. It breaks your heart, and you don't feel sorry for yourself at all when you see someone that young with cancer. She hasn't even had a chance at life yet."