Strike Out Cancer event raised money ahead of baseball game

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) - Before Friday’s North vs. Spencer South baseball game, Husky nation held an event called ‘Strike Out Cancer,’ raising money for teachers at North battling cancer.

“I think it’s really important that we come together as students and not just adults, that shows the support throughout North High School,” said Lily Heil, a North student and event organizer.

When North High School chemistry teacher Brian Dougan was diagnosed with renal and liver cancer just over a month ago, everyone had the same question: How can I help?

“The kids were just trying to find a way to come together and show the love they have for him,” said Jeremy Jones, head coach for North’s varsity baseball team.

Dougan’s students would find the answer, and it wasn’t for extra credit. It was out of love.

“[I] Just thought I was the guy that did my job for 31 years, but I’ve seemed to make a difference in some peoples’ lives to where they’ve come back and wanted to show me that they care,” Dougan said. “I can’t express how much that means to me.”

His students were quick to express how much he means to them.

“He’s very intelligent, knows every single thing you could ever know. We just really love him, he’s an awesome guy,” said Zoe Szabo, a North student and event organizer.

Dougan says even on his toughest days, he finds a way to get to class.

“When I have chemo I still come back to work because I need the community support, they keep me going,” Dougan said.

When it came time to throw out the first pitch, Dougan found himself surrounded by family and friends, ready to help, whenever he needs it.

“If it wasn’t for the love and support of my family and friends, there’s no way I’d be as strong as I am today,” Dougan said.

North Student Council and National Honor Society provided tailgating events and games. There were also some food trucks at the event.

Here was the live report on 14 News at 6:

Here was our coverage from 14 News at 4:

Copyright 2023 WFIE. All rights reserved.