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‘Home Runs for Dougie’ today at Pelican Field

By Staff | Jan 12, 2013

Families across Southwest Florida will have an opportunity this weekend to enjoy a day of baseball, bounce houses and outdoor activities, while helping raise funds for cancer research – all in the name of a Cape Coral teen who’s been battling the horrific disease since last fall.

“Home Runs for Dougie” will be held today, Jan. 12, at the Pelican Field Baseball Complex on Pelican Boulevard in Cape Coral, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is revolving around 13-year-old Doug Hutchison, a Gulf Middle School student who was diagnosed last year with Burkett’s Lymphoma cancer. The cancer spread throughout his body, and has required a steady regimen of chemo-therapy treatments over the last several months. However, Hutchison’s optimistic spirit and determination to beat cancer has inspired his teachers, friends and team-mates in baseball. That positive energy has culminated into “Home Runs for Dougie,” a day in which everyone can take part in joining Hutchison in his battle to defeat this horrible disease.

The event will kick off at 10 a.m. with the Hutchison family and a motivational speech by former Denver Bronco wide receiver Rich Upchurch (1975-1983), who has been named the sixth greatest return specialist by NFL Networks. A Home Run Derby and various baseball skills contests will follow shortly thereafter, with various levels of competition for both adults and children throughout the afternoon. The cost to participate in the derby is $20 per adult (age 18 and older), or $10 per student. In addition to the baseball action, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office will have its helicopter on display and offer fingerprinting for kids, in addition to other related activities. Local food vendors will be on hand, and numerous raffles, including a 50/50 will be featured. All funds raised will go directly towards cancer research.

Saturday’s event is being supported by Hutchison’s baseball coaches, family friends, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Gulf Middle School.

For additional information on the event, contact Trish Routte at troutte@sheriffleefl.org.