Shepard, Evergreen Park softball teams to Strike Out ALS on May 1; please join us

Next Wednesday, May 1, the softball teams from Shepard and Evergreen Park high schools will take the diamond with more on their minds than a game.

The last several weeks, the coaches and players have been raising money and awareness through their Strike Out ALS campaign. 

They’ve worked on behalf of Susan Curley-Michalik, an Evergreen Park
native, mother of Shepard softball player Grace Michalik, and an employee of
the City of Palos Heights.

ALS s a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord, according to the ALS Association. Right now, no cure exists.

We would love our communities to support this family in a time of need.  You can enjoy an afternoon in the sunshine, watch young women compete, and support a great cause.  Below, you can find details on how to contribute.

When Shepard teacher and varsity softball head coach Kelsey Clifford learned of the diagnosis, she wanted to act. 

“We have worked so hard to build a team that fosters relationships with friends and family based on trust, commitment and values.  Grace Michalik is a strong leader and a voice of the Astros and the girls really knew she needed their support as her mom is struggling with ALS.  It is what we do for each other,”
Clifford said.  

Immediately, both programs vowed to give full support to Strike Out ALS.

“It is what is right and that is most important.   Susan Michalik was diagnosed with ALS two years ago when Grace was a sophomore.  Grace has been so strong for her mom that it was time to do our part.  It is so neat to see two communities come together to show their support,” Clifford said.

Clifford and Shepard assistant coach Ashley Levicke did not need to work too hard to motivate their players to get involved.

“These girls are special.  This is all them.   They have asked for donations, volunteered, advertised and talked the game up with family and friends,” Clifford said. 

When Clifford assumed the varsity head coach position in 2009, her current varsity players had just started at Shepard.  She saw something special in the group right away.

“This is the group of girls that I started coaching.  They’ve become exactly the future young women that I predicted.  I knew that they were going to be goal
oriented, compassionate, strong valued and good hearted.  They make differences in people's lives and let you know that they care,” Clifford said.

You can join all of them in their common cause.  The varsity game starts at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1 at Shepard, 13049 S. Ridgeland Avenue in Palos Heights.  The softball field’s located on the north side of the building.   

To place an ad in the program, contact Kelsey Clifford at 708-371-111 ext. 3269.  To make a gift donation, contact teacher Kate Richardson at 708-923-1753.

Monetary donations may be sent to: The Susan Michalik Strike Out ALS Fund at United Trust Bank, 12330 S. Harlem Ave., Palos Heights, IL  60463.