'Batting for the Cure' Softball Tournament Raises Funds for Breast Cancer Solutions

Aliso Viejo Girls Softball hosted the Batting for the Cure Softball Tournament Memorial Day weekend to raise funds for Breast Cancer Solutions.

Heather Gilbert, founding director and board chairwoman of Breast Cancer Solutions,  said she was pleased with the tournament, which organizers  hope to make an annual event.

"This year Breast Cancer Solutions will assist about 200 women battling breast cancer," said Gilbert, a two-time survivor of breast cancer. "Thanks to support from Susan G. Komen for the Cure in the Inland Empire, San Diego and Orange County and events like these, BCS will provide financial support for those in need."

Girls on teams from all over Southern California participated in the event, which began Friday and ended Sunday afternoon at Aliso Viejo Community Park. The 10U and 14U teams from Aliso Viejo each won the tournament championships in their divisions.

Chad and Yesenia Hogancamp created and organized the tournament.

"We thought we would merge our love of softball with a good cause, " said Yesenia Hogancamp. We started back in January. That's when we presented the idea to Louis."

Louis Mazzarini is the president of Aliso Viejo Girls Softball.

"Chad and Yesenia came up with the idea," said Mazzarini. "It's a cause that we all rallied around. We wanted to do something good for others. We hope to raise at least $5,000 from this tournament for Breast Cancer Solutions."

According to BCS' literature, the nonprofit's mission is "to ensure access to and compliance with life-saving breast cancer treatment by providing assistance for safe housing and adequate nutrition, as well as other life essentials, for patients who are unable to work while undergoing those treatments."

Chad Hogancamp's mother, Linda Hogancamp, is a two-time survivor of breast cancer. She offered advice to those battling the disease. 

"Stay positive," said Hogancamp. "Just have good faith and good thoughts along the way."

Breast Cancer Solutions can be reached at 866-960-9222 or on their website. The address is 3843 S. Bristol St., Santa Ana.