Beloved members of our softball community, the Burd family, are currently facing an incredibly difficult situation. Late this summer, it was discovered that their son, Ozzie, has a large tumor compressing his brainstem. Ozzie was to start at the University of Calgary just two days before this tumor was discovered. He was to play on the Dinos baseball team. As sports families, we can all imagine how devastating this would be for Ozzie and the whole family. He now faces a long 12-16 hour surgery at Vancouver General at the end of the month, where a team of specialists will try to preserve the complex system of nerves that can be impacted by this type of operation. Ozzie has already permanently lost hearing on one side. It is possible that a course of radiation may follow the surgery, depending on how much can be removed.

If you have spent time at High Noon Park, you have likely met Coach Ed. Ed is very intentional with his approach to building community on our field and with teams from other associations. He has given endless hours of his time as a Kelowna Minor Fastball coach for the past 3 seasons. He is generous with his knowledge and love of the sport.

Ed and Robin will need to take time away from their jobs to be with Ozzie as he goes through surgery and recovery. The hope is that Ozzie will have a successful outcome and be able to play for the Dinos in the spring. Let's rally as a community to help them with the financial strain and also to keep them in our thoughts as they navigate the coming months.

Go Heat!