FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 30, 2012
Courtesy of Saint Michael's Athletics
Communications
COLCHESTER, Vt. - The Saint Michael's College
baseball program introduced 11-year-old Colchester native
Le'Ondre "Dre" Brockington as its newest
member last month. Dre has joined the team thanks to its work with
Team IMPACT, a non-profit organization serving children who are
facing life-threatening diseases.
Dre met the baseball team at a pizza party in late October and
received official Saint Michael's gear, including a bat that was
signed by the team. Dre also took some swings in the indoor batting
tunnel in the Tarrant Recreation Center with members of the team as
part of his draft day celebration.
"I told Dre that through college and through this baseball program,
I was able to create friendships and a brotherhood with every
player who has ever graced this team, past and present," said
senior captain Andrew DuPrat. "And now
Dre is part of that family, a family that supports each other
through all obstacles and is always working to achieve goals."
Dre, who was shy at first but said he has fun with and looks
forward to hanging out with the ballplayers, also said he is
excited about being part of the team because it makes him feel like
he is a part of another family that is there to help him.
Dre was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in May, requiring him
to undergo numerous blood and platelet transfusions, and he has
spent nearly all of the past six months in the hospital. His
particular strain of the lift-threatening virus, which attacks
blood and bone marrow, currently affects only 30 people worldwide,
with Dre one of just five children afflicted.
Dre's introduction to the baseball team came just days after his most recent release from the Vermont Children's Hospital at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington.
"What this means to our team is that we are given a unique perspective on a challenging life," added DuPrat. "It makes you appreciate what you have and feel very fortunate and lucky. We take so much in our lives for granted, and it's not right. Dre is helping us appreciate what we have, and it makes us work harder for him and for each other."
Dre enjoys spending time with his three brothers and is an
ardent sports fan. His favorite color happens to be the purple that
Saint Michael's wears.
Look for Dre at practices and games as the 2013 season approaches.
He is the third child this fall to join a Saint Michael's program
through Team IMPACT, as the men's basketball and field hockey teams
have also been involved.
Team IMPACT is a New England-based nonâprofit
organization serving children who are facing
lifeâthreatening diseases by creating
unparalleled team-based support systems. Core to its model is
leveraging the power of teamwork by matching up these courageous
kids with college athletic teams. For more information, visit www.goteamimpact.org.