June 20, 2012
NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Notre Dame softball head coach Deanna Gumpf and her six-year old daughter, Tatum, presented a check for $25,355.62 to South Bend Memorial Children’s Hospital pediatric hematology and oncology clinic Wednesday. The donation was made possible through Notre Dame’s efforts during this past season’s NFCA StrikeOut Cancer initiative, as the Irish raised more money than any other school in the nation for the second straight year.
Notre Dame held the nation’s previous record by raising $12,046 in 2011, shattering that mark by more than double in 2012.
Tatum was diagnosed with leukemia in the summer of 2010 and is now on her way to a full recovery. Tatum continues to make regular visits to Memorial Hospital for treatments and checkups.
The Irish played host to Syracuse in April during their StrikeOut Cancer weekend, donning orange-clad uniforms and accessories auctioned off after the game. Syracuse sported all-orange attire and auctioned off its uniforms while donating the money towards Notre Dame’s efforts.
The program held a trivia night at Juday Creek Golf Course in Granger, Ind., on the eve of its StrikeOut Cancer weekend and netted nearly $14,000 at the event. The Irish also auctioned off football tickets and a variety of Notre Dame memorabilia to help the cause.
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