Putting passion to work for cancer




A SCORE FOR MEDICINE—Ryan Bloch, 12, center, presents a check at the Game on for a Kure tennis tournament that raised more than $8,400 for cancer research. Ryan, a tennis player himself, created the tourney.

A SCORE FOR MEDICINE—Ryan Bloch, 12, center, presents a check at the Game on for a Kure tennis tournament that raised more than $8,400 for cancer research. Ryan, a tennis player himself, created the tourney.

Prior to this year’s Calabasas Junior Tennis Open, 12-year-old Ryan Bloch broke his thumb during a school activity and found himself unable to compete in the annual October tournament.

But having to pull out of the competition didn’t stop Ryan, a seventh-grader at A.C. Stelle Middle School in Calabasas, from putting his passion for tennis to work.

With permission from the United State Tennis Association and the Calabasas tournament director, Ryan created Game On for a Kure. His plan was to raise money and awareness for underfunded rare cancer research and to invite fellow junior tennis players to play for a cause.

Ryan’s grandmother died last year from cancer.

Ryan’s Kure effort raised more than $8,400 during the Calabasas tournament. Net Results Tennis Shop in Calabasas contributed a Roger Federer Pro Staff autographed tennis racket to be given away to the top Kure fundraiser.

Local families stepped up to the challenge.

The McCullom family, including Anne, the mother, and children Ava, Dean and Ford, raised more than $850 in 24 hours.

“It’s so important to get our kids involved and for them to realize they can put what they love toward making a difference,” Anne McCullom said.

“I love to play tennis as did my grandma, Mimi,” Ryan said. “She passed away last year from a very rare cancer.”

Kure It Cancer Research, an Irvine based nonprofit, created the Aileen Sherman Memorial Fund in honor of Ryan’s grandmother.

“I want to carry on Mimi’s fight and help others who are still fighting,” said Ryan. “Mimi always told me to put my passion to a purpose, so that is what I am trying to do.”

The tournament may be over, but Ryan said he will continue Game On for a Kure’s fundraising efforts.

His goal is to reach $15,000 before the end of the year.

To learn more about Kure It Cancer Research or to donate, visit www.crowdrise.com/ GameOnForAKure.

Acorn staff report


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