Donations to Honor Michael Klopp

My son, Michael William Klopp, passed away on, September 30, 2009, and next year will be 10 years since we lost him.  He battled  stage 4 brain cancer for 3 1/2 years (Glioblastoma Multiforme), and passed away just two weeks before his 25th birthday.  I began thinking about what I can do for the 10th anniversary that would be special.

Some of, not only Michael's happiest days, but mine and my husband Rick's, were spent on the baseball fields at the Avon Township Youth Baseball (ATYB) complex in Round Lake, Illinois.  Michael played there nine years, and umpired for another two years after high school.  Rick coached Michael, and another son, Bobby, and sister Valerie also played softball at the same complex.  We all loved this place and spent so many summers there making many friends who we still stay in touch with today.

I recently contacted the Board President at ATYB, about creating a GoFundMe campaign with all donations provided to ATYB to use as necessary for either new equipment or complex improvements, for which he readily agreed to.  A plaque will be placed at the complex honoring the years Michael played there.  While playing ball at ATYB, two of Michael's teams, Mustang League Cleveland Indians and Pony League Chicago White Sox (yep Michael was on the White Sox although he was a diehard CUBS FAN), for which he won Championships.  

Although, Michael's very favorite ATYB memory is the homerun he hit at the All Star Game on, July 4, 1994.  During his last hours of life, Michael clung to this baseball that was also signed by each of his teammates.  That's how much he loved his years playing ball at ATYB.

I love and miss my son everyday, as do his family and friends, and we all agreed that Michael would have loved giving back to this baseball complex that he loved so much.  There will be a small ceremony at next years' All Star game.

Thank you to all who make a donation, it is greatly appreciated.