The rain stopped and the sun popped out just in the nick of time for the start of the 3rd Annual Southie Kids Care All Girls Softball Game. Girls of all ages showed up to play in a fun, pick-up style softball game, wearing base ball shirts bearing the names of 27 generous sponsors. Thanks their donations and raffle prizes, we will be able to donate almost $3,000 to the new Moakley Medical Services Building at Boston Medical Center. This building, named after our beloved Congressman, will improve access to cancer care services for city residents, especially those who are uninsured or underinsured. Our donation will go to the Breast Imaging Department. These screening services help to detect breast cancers in early stages, when treatment is most successful. Everyone who participated in this event can take credit for making this dream of Congressman Moakley's, a reality.

     As in the past, Fr. Casey blessed 100 pink rosary beads, which were then passed around to players and spectators. Mary Kate Walsh sang the National Anthem so beautifully, and we thank her for sharing her talent with us. This year, the first pitch was thrown out by a 6th grade student, Naomi Leonard, from the Mary Lyon School in Brighton. Naomi's essay depicting her struggles and courage during he mother's breast cancer treatments was a winner in the Max Warburg Courage Essay, and was published in the Boston Globe. Emily Casper caught the pitch.

     We still have about 20 of our commemorative long sleeved base ball style shirts with the Southie Kids Care logo, modified for this event, which may be purchased for $25. Email southiekidscare@hotmail.com for more info.

     Thanks again to everyone who showed up to support this important cause, especially the volunteers who always help us pull everything together!

        All smiles-Ariana & Kelsey        "Team Southie" poses before        Naomi Leonard threw out

        Medeiros, future star Joe          the big game where the                the first pitch, a strike to

        Uftring, Carolyn Dunphy,          daughters gave the moms a          Emily Casper.

        Jill Hynes, Braeden                  run for their money.

        Juliano and Auntie Stephanie.

       Brittany O'Malley, Delia             The cooks, "Pic" and Jerry,              Mallory Cox assists

       Doherty and Mary McKenna       kept the grill burning and                 Fr. Casey as he

       gave a preview of their             the hot dogs coming for                   blesses the pink

       impressive softball skills.          the game.                                       rosaries.