STAYING STRONG
Annual event returns Saturday
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » For years, the Dave Matthews Band has played summertime shows at Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
For some people, it has become a tradition to attend the popular group’s shows at SPAC. Frank DeBlasi has been going for years to the DMB shows, throwing a tailgate party before the show each year. As the party he threw grew with each concert, he decided to give the proceeds from the event to children in the area battling cancer.
It was in 2007 when DeBlasi himself was diagnosed with testicular cancer.
“When I was sick, I knew during my battle and treatments that afterwards I wanted to do something in the communities that I spent time in to increase awareness of cancer,” said DeBlasi.
Ballsfest became a reality. It was in 2013 when the non-profit recognized
its first “baller.”
This Saturday, hours after Dave Matthews Band plays Friday night, Ballsfest will continue to celebrate, from 2 until 7 p.m. at the Columbia Pavilion in Saratoga SPA State Park.
“We have quite the following. Historically, it’s always been pre-show followers, people that are going to Dave Matthews would come to Ballsfest, but now we’re seeing a lot more local residents come to Ballsfest, who are coming to Ballsfest to see the kids,” said DeBlasi.
DeBlasi will honor six ballers, ages four to 22, this year.
• Laney Robillard, who loves to bake and listen to music, was diagnosed with Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma, a common brain tumor in children, in 2017. She continues to go through weekly chemotherapy treatments, according to Ballsfest website.
“Laney always has a smile on her face,” the website reads. “She always tries her best no matter what life throws her way and has the biggest heart.”
• Abby Sayles was three in August 2014 when doctors diagnosed her with PreB Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, undergoing two and half years of treatment, enduring two bone marrow aspirations, 18 spinal taps, nine blood and 11 platelet transfusions and numerous bags of chemo. Abby finished her chemo treatment in October 2016. For four years, Abby has raised money through “Amazing Abby’s Lemonade Stand.”
“There is typically always a smile on her face and she has a laugh that can change anyone’s bad day,” the website reads.
• Daniel Macmillan, a big New York Yankees and New York Giants fan, was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma Bone Cancer in his left fibula in June 2017.
“A scan done in March ‘18 came back clear and we continue to hope for clean results,” the website reads. “Danny is one tough boy, and he just wants to get back on the baseball field, and start bowling again with his friends. He is our Hero!”
• Hannah Priamo was 15 when she was first diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, finishing treatment in November 2015. Hannah finished high school, attending a semester at Hofstra University before cancer came back in February 2017.
“While being sick isn’t always easy, Hannah never misses a beat,” the website reads. “Hannah has remained positive throughout her treatment continuing to let her humor and contagious attitude shine.”
• Olivia DeWitt, who begins preschool this fall, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in 2017. Her family said their counting down her final treatment day- October 19, 2019.
“Olivia is a brave and strong little girl with an amazing smile and a tender heart,” the website reads. “She is known by her medical team as “Dr. O” and she loves to assist her nurses while preparing for her procedures and to help with their office work.”
• Ryan Cowan was diagnosed with T-cell Leukemia in March of 2017, beginning chemotherapy immediately. Later in 2017, before his 12th birthday, he had an infection, causing his body to go septic. Doctors induced him in a comma for two weeks until he was stable. Ryan began rehab and physical therapy, and he’s back walking again. He’ll be able to go back to school in September.
“Ryan is loving boy who is very thoughtful and loves to put smiles on people’s faces,” the website reads.
At 4:30 Saturday, the baller ceremony happens, which consists of DeBlasi providing a gift or an experience to each one.
The ballers don’t know what they’ll receive. A girl received a piano and a year worth of piano lessons; a boy traveled to Barcelona to see his team, FC Barcelona, face Real Madrid, and custom playhouses have been built.
“I stay incredibly close with the families. Each baller, I meet with two-tothree times before Ballsfest even takes place. I kind of roast them,” said DeBlasi. “You go these events and they’re playing a violin, here comes a video, the kids in chemotherapy, so I try to have fun. Even though there prognosis might be real dire, it’s an uplifting, whimsical day.”
Ballsfest continues to grow. Angie Silipigno, DeBlasi announced recently, has been hired as executive director of Saratoga Springs Ballsfest. There’s a Ballsfest in Arizona. There’s one coming to Las Vegas later this year. Next summer, DeBlasi plans to bring one to the Jersey Shore.
Hiring Silipigno to run day-to-day operations was essential for DeBlasi. Not only will she coordinate Ballsfest each year, but she’ll create new events like Lego building sessions and art therapy at The Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Albany Medical Center. In the fall Ballsfest plans to increase awareness with breakfasts at The Adelphi Hotel on Broadway.
Dairy Haus and Spring Street Deli will be catering the event, and alcoholic beverages will be available. Fingerpaint and Saratoga Eagle are two major sponsors for the event. Tickets can be purchased at Ballsfest.org.
What started as a tailgate for Dave Matthews Band has turned into something far more meaningful.
“All of these ballers deserve a lift of some kind, an emotional lift,” said DeBlasi. “I want to help them through the battle and my relationship with them, whether it’s through humor or through giving a great gift or experience, it helps them get through a really dark time in their life.”