Closing in on the completion of head coach Pete Hughes’ “19 Ways” campaign, Virginia Tech will honor two young men before tomorrow’s baseball game with James Madison at English Field. On Sunday, Justin Brown and Levi Mayo will each throw out the first pitch before the 1:00 p.m. contest.
The two are both members of the “Friends of Jaclyn Foundation” which is a non-profit charitable organization that improves the quality of life for children with pediatric brain tumors and their families. FOJ is all about love, support and friendship, and doing so through matching these brave children with college or high school sports teams.
Justin Brown, who is matched with James Madison, is from Haymarket, Va. He was diagnosed in 2005 with a crainiopharyngioma brain tumor when he was 2 years old. Justin has endured numerous operations and treatments, and continues to battle to this day. In February, JMU Baseball officially welcomed Justin to the team with a letter-of-intent signing. Justin is a blessing to their program and a reminder to the Dukes to never take for granted the tremendous opportunities they have as college student-athletes.
Levi Mayo has been matched with Virginia Tech for the last three years. Diagnosed at the age of 4 with medulloblastoma, a highly malignant brain tumor, Levi has endured countless hours of physically exhausting surgeries and treatments, and yet still carries a huge smile and brave heart. Today, though his journey is far from over, he can run, swim and play just as any other normal child would do. Virginia Tech Baseball adopted Levi in 2008 and he is a constant inspiration to the all, and the Hokies are proud to have Levi as a part of their team.
As a way to challenge his baseball team this academic year is to find 19 ways to make a difference. The "19 Ways" program is the product of Hughes’ inspiration, who wears No. 19 for the Hokies.
"To whom much is given, much is expected," Hughes said at the beginning of the 2010-11 academic year. "We are expected to take part on 19 different occasions to have a positive effect on someone or some organization during this school year."
The number 19 was the favorite number of Coach Hughes’ mother, the late Alice Hughes. "My mother spent a lifetime helping everyone, everyday and specifically the elderly and the ill," Hughes added. "She was the ultimate helper."
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