San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
Three brave ‘Ballers’
Baller Dream Foundation honors young people battling cancer
The Baller Dream Foundation hosted on July 22 its inaugural San Diego fundraiser to honor three young people battling cancer.
The foundation was founded by philanthropist Frank Deblasi, who himself successfully fought testicular cancer. The foundation is a nonprofit organization that strives to lift the spirits of those from infancy to 25 years old who have been diagnosed with cancer. The foundation does not refer to them as patients; it calls them “Ballers.” “Baller is a modern-day term suggesting a person is doing well, feeling well, and in control,” the foundation said.
On July 22, the foundation partnered with Ultimate Skybox at Diamondview Tower in downtown San Diego to raise money and introduce three “Ballers” who were honored: 9-year-old Aritzve Aguirre Texcahua; 18-year-old Dustin Joiner; and 22-year-old Ali Alipour. During the event, Deblasi hosted a “Baller Ceremony,” during which each honoree was recognized. The three shared insights into their bravery and positive spirits, the foundation said.
Brothers Signature Catering & Events catered the fundraiser. Liberty Call Distilling and Snake Oil Cocktail Co. provided the cocktails. Ashland Hard Seltzer supplied the beverages.
The Baller Dream Foundation works with children’s hospitals nationwide. It provides activities led by volunteers in hospitals to help provide respite for the young people, and it gives support to their families. Through sponsors and donors, the foundation also provides major life experiences for the Ballers and their families.
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