University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers Announce Strike Out Cancer Weekend
4/15/2015 12:00:00 AM | Student-Athlete Development
April 15, 2015
The University of Minnesota baseball program has set April 24-26 as Strike Out Cancer Weekend at Siebert Field during the team's series against Michigan. The Gophers and pitching coach Todd Oakes will raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), distribute information about LLS and bone marrow donation and honor the memory of former pitcher Phil Isaksson.
At Saturday's game, student-athletes will be stationed near the gates collecting donations toward cancer research. Last year's Strike Out Cancer game contributed to the $75,000 raised by Oakes' LLS Man of the Year campaign. The Minnesota LLS chapter will have a table at all three games selling t-shirts, distributing information and accepting donations.
Oakes is a two-time cancer survivor. His initial diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia came in June 2012. After intensive treatment, Oakes was in remission for over two years before receiving news in November 2014 that the cancer had returned. He regained remission, and has continued to serve on LLS Minnesota Chapter's executive board to help other patients have a chance to experience that same relief.
A short memorial service for Isaksson will take place following the Gophers' game on Sunday. Isaksson, who played at Minnesota from 2008-11, died of cancer on Feb. 8. Even more than his success on the pitching mound, he was known for his sense of humor and inspirational attitude.
Please visit mn.dojiggy.com/strikeoutcancer4to to learn more about Oakes and his LLS fundraising campaign.
Strike Out Cancer Weekend at Siebert Field
Friday, April 24: Gophers vs. Michigan at 6:35 p.m.
Saturday, April 25: Gophers vs. Michigan at 6:05 p.m.; student-athletes collecting donations for LLS
Sunday, April 26: Gophers vs. Michigan at 1:05 p.m.; Phil Isaksson memorial service following the game
All three days: Opportunity to buy LLS t-shirts or make a donation at a table on the concourse
