INSPIRED TO BATTLE AGAINST BREAST CANCER
Globetrotter, Kingston High grad Fisher organizes fundraising basketball game at alma mater
KINGSTON, N.Y. » Breast cancer survivor Mary DeChristopher was one of several people who Tay “Firefly” Fisher says inspired him to organize the Fisher’s Fight 4 the Cure Breast Cancer Awareness Game, an annual fundraising basketball game scheduled for Friday, Oct. 6, at Kingston High School.
“I’m glad I was an inspiration to him, but he was an inspiration to me,” DeChristopher, 64, of Ulster Park, a retired teacher at J. Watson Bailey Middle School in Kingston, said in a phone interview, marveling at her former student’s “determination and fortitude.”
Fisher, 31, a 2004 Kingston High School graduate, went on to graduate from Siena College in 2008 and later made a name for himself as a Harlem Globetrotter and basketball camp director.
In literature announcing the fifth annual fundraiser, Fisher wrote, “I have many events that I look forward to, but this one means the most to me.”
In a phone interview, Fisher — who said he just signed a contract for his ninth year with Globetrotters — said 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit Miles of Hope, a local breast cancer foundation.
“My hometown of Kingston knows me as Tay Fisher, graduate of Kingston High School, but people around the globe know
“I’m glad I was an inspiration to him, but he was an inspiration to me.” — Mary DeChristopher, retired teacher at J. Watson Bailey Middle School
me as Firefly Fisher of the world famous Harlem Globetrotters,” Fisher wrote. “I travel the world with my team eight months out of the year and always look forward to coming home to my camps and breast cancer event.”
In a phone conversation from the road, Fisher said, “We all come together for about three hours and celebrate those that survived and think about those we’ve lost.”
He said the event was inspired by many women.
In addition to DeChristopher, Tina Turzik, 46, of Kingston, also played an influential role in Fisher’s life, he said.
Turzik said she met Fisher through her brother, Erik Chambers, who worked at the Boys and Girls Club in Kingston, where Tay was a member.
Turzik, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2012 and is now “cancer-free” said, “I can’t put into words what it means that I am one of the people who inspire Tay to do this benefit . ... It’s important to bring awareness (of breast cancer), because you think you are all by yourself and why did this only happen to me? So this makes you see you are not alone, and so many people are going through the same thing.”
She said Miles of Hope offers support to women in the throes of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Turzik said she wishes she’d known about the organization when she was in treatment.
Fisher said he chose to contribute proceeds from the event to Miles of Hope to keep it local. “We’re in this as a family for a good cause, and all of the money will stay within the community,” he said.
Admission to Fisher’s Fight 4 the Cure is free of charge, because, “All I want is the support,” Fisher said. “It’s not all about the money.”
This year, he said, his girl’s team will play ball against their fathers. In addition, there will be music, raffles and lots of swag. The 2017 event is co-sponsored by Sawyer Motors of Saugerties.
Additionally, exclusive 2017 Fight 4 the Cure t-shirts will be available for sale only at the event for $25.
The event runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 6 at Kingston High School, 403 Broadway.
For information about this and other events and activities offered by Fisher, call (845) 264-2005 or visit tayfishersFBC.com.