Iron Pigs annual Strike Out Cancer game raises thousands, strengthens support for local families | Allentown Area

ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A sea of hope flooded Coca-Cola Park Tuesday. The IronPigs are teaming up with local organizations for the ninth annual Strike Out Cancer game, raising thousands for local families and cancer non-profits.

Under the lights at Coca-Cola Park, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs are carrying their community onto the field Tuesday.

More than 50 names are stitched across the front and back of every jersey on the field. Each representing someone who has battled, survived, or is currently fighting cancer.

Neighbors like 23-year-old Porter, a two-time Leukemia survivor.

“I came out as one of the honorees,” said cancer survivor Porter Lilley. “It’s good to give back and support all the foundations and people who helped me through all the stuff that I went through when I was younger.”

But it’s also a night to remember those who lost their battle with cancer.

“There were a lot of people that we met, like, while he was going through treatment that didn’t make it, and that passed away. And so, it’s kind of nice to be able to be here for them,” said Porter’s sister, Sadie Lilley.

The annual event has raised more than $135,000 over the previous eight seasons.

Proceeds from a jersey auction and 50/50 drawing benefit regional assistance funds, while local groups like Leo’s League use the packed stadium to ensure no family walks the journey alone.

“When my son was going through treatment, it’s just nice to know that there’s other people that understand what you’re going through and that are there to help. So, I really just like to have that awareness in the community and trying to grow and really be there as a support for these families,” said Andrea Kushnir, founder of Leo’s League and mother of Leo.

That support comes in many forms; from Leo’s League providing financial grants for families, to fans packing a Toyota full of Squishmallows for Emily’s Hug Mee Drive, to comfort pediatric patients.

A night where the final score takes a back seat to the statement made in the stands. Proving that no one in the Lehigh Valley has to fight alone.