Lawmakers to Battle Breast Cancer on the Diamond

July 2, 4:36 pm by merlisa

Congressional women will put politics aside to raise funds and awareness for young women with breast cancer in the first Congressional Women’s Softball Game on July 14.

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (R-Mo.), Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) will captain (and play on) the Members’ team. Their bipartisan, bicameral squad will take on women from the Democratic and Republican political committees, who will be led by co-captains Natalie Buchanan from the National Republican Congressional Committee, Katie Dvorak of Democratic National Committee, Gaye Galvin of the Republican National Committee and Stephanie Young of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

Dana Bash, CNN’s senior Congressional correspondent, will call the game. Emerson’s daughter played college softball and has been helping the Congressional women prepare for the game.

Proceeds will benefit the Young Survival Coalition, an international organization dedicated to issues unique to young breast cancer survivors. Wasserman Schultz and Emerson had the idea to host a game. Wasserman Schultz was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, at age 41.

“It’s a great opportunity for the women to play softball. Not many women play in the Congressional baseball game,” said Jonathan Beeton, a spokesman for Wasserman Schultz.

The event is free, but donations are encouraged. Sponsorships are also being accepted. The Congressional Federal Credit Union has already signed on for $2,500. The contest will be played at Guy Mason Field, 3600 Calvert St. NW. Game time is 7:35 p.m.

"Practicing and planning for the 2009 Congressional Women's Softball Game has been a great experience," Wasserman Schultz said. "This game not only gives us a chance to interact off the Hill but also allows us to raise much-needed funds and awareness for an important organization — the Young Survival Coalition, a group committed to the critical issues young women face when diagnosed with breast cancer."

For more information, e-mail congressionalwomensoftballgame@gmail.com.

You can also get more information at the event’s Facebook page.

Permalink