May 11, 2018
Softball Holds Extra Special Home Run Derby
DEFIANCE, OHIO - On April 20th, the Defiance College Softball team held their annual Home Run Derby at Sal Hench Field. This year's event was extra special as all proceeds went to the MS Society. As some know, Head Coach and Athletic Director, Jodie Holava, was diagnosed with relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis back in 2001.
DEFIANCE, OHIO - On April 20th, the Defiance College Softball team held their annual Home Run Derby at Sal Hench Field. This year's event was extra special as all proceeds went to the MS Society. As some know, Head Coach and Athletic Director, Jodie Holava, was diagnosed with relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis back in 2001.
"Of course coming right out of college and finding out was scary at the time. The important part that I have always kept as my driving force was being a positive role model for my team. I have always wanted them to know that no matter what life throws at you, there is always a way to work through it and be better and stronger because of it. Even on your worst days it is important to remember why you do what you do and everything else becomes secondary."
What is MS?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) involves an immune-mediated process in which an abnormal response of the body's immune system is directed against the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS is made up of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. Within the CNS, the immune system causes inflammation that damages myelin — the fatty substance that surrounds and insulates the nerve fibers — as well as the nerve fibers themselves, and the specialized cells that make myelin.
The Defiance College Softball program has decided to dedicate their fall play date this September as "MS Awareness Day" where the team will wear orange jerseys to raise awareness.