Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Publication: CBS Special
By: Dave Huddleston
When the weather is warm, it's a time when many kids want to get outside and play some ball. But what do you do if you're a child with a disability and want to join organized sports? Dave Huddleston tells us about the Miracle League in this week's Brotherly Love.
Her smile and attitude are infectious even though 9-year-old Karlee Hofmann has been through a lot. She survived cancer, only to be paralyzed from reaction to medication.
But through all of that, she's determined, determined to play sports.
"I always say to myself, I know there will be a way for me to play because as my parents say, where there's a will there's a way and they always find a way to include me in things," Karlee said.
Her parents found the local chapter of the Miracle League in Northampton Township, Churchville, Pa. It's a baseball program for children with disabilities.
Bill Gannon runs the local league. "We just feel we fill a void and they deserve what these other children in this community have," Gannon said.
But having a league of their own is different than having their own field. In a wheelchair, it's difficult to make it around the bases.
"Typically she needs to be pushed by one of us or her brother," said George Hofmann, Karlee's dad.
So Karlee's family, Bill Gannon and others want to build a baseball diamond that's wheelchair accessible with a flat rubberized surface so people with disabilities can play without obstruction or fear of injury.
Larry Weiner plays in the league. "I'm getting good, I'm getting the hang of it, I mean that's what counts," Larry said.
Larry and Karlee are counting on financial support so their baseball field can be more than just a field of dreams.
"People like me and everybody with disabilities they really need you right now so they can express themselves," Karlee said.
The Miracle League is up and running for the season, but they could use help building the ball field. The cost is $750,000 and they have raised $60,000 so far.