Breast Cancer Survivor Pitches In for Others

Wilhelmina Swanson with her fiancé, Robert Leist. Submitted.

A Baileys Harbor breast cancer survivor has organized a co-ed slow pitch tournament to benefit local cancer charities. The Lavender Slow Pitch Series takes place Saturday, Aug. 20, at the Baileys Harbor Recreational Park, 2623 Summit Road.

“I was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ, stage zero breast cancer, in June of last year,” said 24-year-old Wilhelmina Swanson. “I had a double mastectomy, to avoid any further treatment and to minimize my risk for it coming back. I felt incredibly lucky to have found it at stage zero, but also felt that if it were to come back, chances are, I wouldn’t be as lucky the second time around. Some may say my decision was drastic, but it was the right decision for me, and I don’t regret it at all.”

But the experience did give her insight into the plight of others facing cancer.

“Although my case was best-case scenario, I was still out of work for six weeks,” she said. “My insurance was amazing, so medical bills weren’t an issue, but losing any source of income for that long opened my eyes to the struggles that others face on a daily basis. Our community is unfortunately filled with people battling cancer. Some of these are trying to support their families while going through months of treatment, without a steady income. Thankfully, our community is amazing and doesn’t miss an opportunity to help. There are several foundations that help those going through these difficult times, and I just wanted to help in some way. Knowing how Door County loves its baseball and softball, I thought a slow pitch tournament would be a great way to get everyone involved. The proceeds of the fundraiser will be donated to two local foundations, Door CANcer and the Sue Baldwin Fund. These two organizations give members of our community, our friends and families, the help they need during some of the hardest times in their lives. In a place like Door County, no one has to fight alone.”

The Baileys Harbor Community Association is partnering with Swanson to make this happen. There will also be a silent raffle and music by Papa Rick’s Chicks after the championship game.

Team registration for the tournament is $150. To register, volunteer or donate, contact Swanson at [email protected] or call 920.559.0259.