By Adam Brazeau
CORNWALL, Ontario – Policemen and firemen battled for a win on the baseball diamond, but the only numbers that mattered weren’t on the scoreboard.
The Cornwall Police Melonheads dominated the double-header charity match on Sunday (July 26) against the Fiddler’s Cornwall Fire at Reg Campbell Park diamond #2, by scores of 20-8 and 24-13.
The Schnitzels’s Men’s Slo-Pitch League game raised $1,204.90 for Christina Archambault.
After being in remission for three years, the 29-year-old Cornwall mother of two was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer on June 15. A few weeks prior, she had rented a “nice country home,” and was going back to school to become a medical office administrator.
“My life was perfect,” said Archambault in a low, raspy voice, an effect from the disease spreading throughout her chest.
She praised her landlord and Melonhead team captain, Cornwall Community Police Service Sgt. Dave MacLean, and his family for “swooping in like angels” after the grim diagnosis.
“We felt our league game was a great opportunity to raise some funds for Christina and bring the community together,” said MacLean.
Cornwall Professional Fire Fighters Association president Jason Crites says the friendly rivalry is about more than baseball.
“Both services are in a position to help people, so we invited everyone to help a worthy cause,” he said.
The crowd of about 65 filled the bleachers as volunteers manned a barbecue and sold baked goods for the cause. Meanwhile, the Taylor brothers operated a lemonade stand to help their beloved neighbour.
“We wanted to help, because she has medicine that is very expensive,” said Austin, 5, as his brother Evan, 7, poured another glass.
Archambault travels on a regular basis to the Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre for Vitamin C IV treatments, which cost a whopping $800-$900 a month.
Hailey Taylor, Evan and Austin’s mom, described Archambault as a great person and a single mother who deserves a helping hand.
“Honestly, having this kind of support is a dream come true,” said Archambault. “I would not be able to afford this on my own. This is helping me live, and be here for my kids. It means everything to me.”
MacLean’s parents, Ian and Colleen, also hosted a barbecue on Thursday (July 23), which collected over $1,900, pushing the total amount raised over the four-day period to over $3,100.
“Our community rocks,” said MacLean. “And the Cornwall Police Melonheads have won bragging rights for year.”
An online fundraising account has been set up for Archambault (www.gofundme.com/xkec49a2).
