August 12,
2017
1889 Park,
132 Park Road, South Fork, PA 15956
If you ask friends or
family to describe my dad, Joe McKendree, they would most likely say, “he would
do anything for anyone.” His signature laugh and love for all things outdoors,
including softball, would come in a close second.
Now, my dad was no ordinary men’s softball player. He was
“Smokin Joe,” a softball pitcher who was more spin than speed—meaning he had a
mean slider and a knuckleball that would embarrass the best of hitters.
Fortunately, after many, many evenings spent out in the yard after dinner, he
passed that slider on to me and I used it (with varying success) throughout my
high school and college softball days.
Over the past year, we’ve watched my dad succumb to the
debilitating effects of PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy), essentially
hindering his ability to be the grandpa, dad and husband that he once was.
Although those around him feel at the mercy of this terrible disease, we
quickly realized there is something we can do.
The Strikeout PSP softball tournament scheduled for August 12,
2017, at the 1889 Park in South Fork, PA, is one way we can honor his love of
softball and contribute to PSP research funding as well as raise awareness of
the disease. We’re partnering with Cure PSP, Inc., an organization at the
forefront of promoting PSP awareness, education, and research to ensure that
tournament proceeds will support the most promising PSP research initiatives.
You can help by registering a team, donating directly to CurePSP
in honor of Joe McKendree, becoming a tournament sponsor, or donating items for
our tournament raffle. It’s only through the support of people like you that we
can bring hope for greater understanding of PSP and a possible cure.
- Amanda McKendree, Tournament Director, Strikeout PSP
