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Former 19th Ward Ald. Ginger Rugai Hosts Y-ME Women's Softball Tournament

By Howard Ludwig | August 27, 2015 8:25am
 The Y-ME Women's Softball Tournament in Mount Greenwood attracts more than 60 teams and 1,000 participants annually. The tournament helps fund cancer research at the University of Chicago in Hyde Park.
The Y-ME Women's Softball Tournament in Mount Greenwood attracts more than 60 teams and 1,000 participants annually. The tournament helps fund cancer research at the University of Chicago in Hyde Park.
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MOUNT GREENWOOD — More than 60 teams and 1,000 women are expected at the 21st annual Y-ME Women's Softball Tournament on Saturday in Mount Greenwood.

The daylong event takes over St. Christina fields and the adjacent Mount Greenwood Park from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. It costs $40 per player or $600 per team to participate in the tourney at 3724 W. 111th St.

Proceeds from the tournament fund the work of Dr. Kay Macleod at University of Chicago Medical Center's Ben May Department for Cancer Research. Macleod has focused her research on the study of metastasis — the deadliest aspect of human cancer.

The tournament was founded on behalf of former 19th Ward Ald. Ginger Rugai, a breast cancer survivor. Rugai and others will play in a special "survivors game" on Saturday. This spirited, three-inning game honors survivors as well as those who have succumbed to the disease.

In 2014, the tournament raised more than $45,000, and the goal is to surpass that amount this year, according to organizers.

“This annual one-day event has become a game changer, and we, along with health care professionals and researchers are committed to finding a cure,” Rugai said.

Rugai recently joined a group of breast cancer survivors for a visit to Dr. Macleod’s lab and was impressed with the dedication and work she is doing. Macleod's research also includes the study of autophagy, which plays a complex role in cancer development and treatment.

Besides signing up for a team, donations can also be made by individuals, groups and area businesses. To make a donation or to find out more information about the tournament, visit www.y-mesoftball.com.

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