The 13th Annual Tony O’Rear Bowl for Life Bowling Tournament benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital will take place at Holiday Bowl, 5518 Brainerd Road, on Sunday, Feb. 10. There will be two bowling sessions, starting at 11 a.m. and 2 p .m.
Over the past 12 years, the event has raised over $135,000 for St. Jude. WUSY-US101 Radio has been a sponsor for many years and fields a team for the event.
When he was 11-years-old, Tony O’Rear was diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia, a disease that prevents bone marrow from producing platelets properly. Despite vigorous treatment including various medications and a bone marrow transplant, Tony developed several complications and, sadly, passed away at the age of 12. Since that time, Tony’s family and friends have organized the annual event to celebrate his life and the work of the outstanding doctors and researchers at St. Jude.
“Although Tony’s outcome is not what any parent would want for their child, we are convinced that St. Jude’s provided the most outstanding treatment and did everything in their power to save Tony,” says Barbara Breedwell, Tony’s mom. “Because of the compassion that St. Jude has we will strive to help them fight the evils of childhood cancer,” adds Tony’s sister, Kelly O’Rear.
There are several ways to participate in the Bowl for Life. Individual bowling teams of four may participate for $150 each. Teams are asked to register in advance by calling Barbara Breedwell at 637-9358. Lane Sponsors ($150) receive a banner over a lane. Table Sponsors’ ($50) names are displayed on tables in the bowling center. Anyone can come to watch the event. Donations at the door are encouraged.
For more information about the Tony O’Rear Bowl for Life event on Feb. 10, contact Ms. Breedwell at 870-4476 or Ms. O’Rear at 618-4084. Call Holiday Bowl at 899-2695 for information about their facility.