Charity tournament set for today

Softball for a good cause takes center stage today.

John Durso, founder of the Delaware County based organization “Homers for Hope” has teamed up with West Chester native Kevin McDonald and his “Restart Your Life” initiative, an assistance fund for Traumatic Brain Injury survivors. Both Durso and McDonald’s determination have changed hundreds of lives through their relentless efforts to raise money for those who need it most.

The duo will be holding a competitive sixteam tournament at Kelly Fields off of Westtown Road. The tournament is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. and run through the afternoon.

Homers for Hope will be supporting Leah Norbeck-Ladislaw and her family. The 7-year-old suffered a traunatic brain injury on Jan. 21, 2014. The fall resulted in an occipital bone fracture, two brain bruises, and a Grade 3 concussion which led to posttraumatic seizures, difficulty with balance, and severe migraines.

Leah’s mother, Jackie, will have to miss work for the foreseeable future in order to maintain the role as primary caretaker for her daughter.

The story took an interesting turn when McDonald got involved. He has a history with hosting competitive softball tournaments, and coincidentally runs an initiative called Restart Your Life, which devotes fundraising efforts to survivors of traumatic brain injuries, a match made in heaven for the Norbeck-Ladislaw family.

With the charities teaming up and utilizing their resources, at least $2,000.00 is expected to be raised in order to help the family with bills and utilities.

For more information regarding the tournament and the Norbeck-Ladislaw family, go to homersforhope.org or email any inquiries to John Durso at HomersForHope@gmail.com.