49°
This is the fifth year that Port Chester has held the event. Proceeds benefit the Natalia Crespo Eirin Foundation, whose namesake was a Port Chester resident who died of brain cancer in 2006, at age 30. The foundation provides funding for research, as well as scholarships for Port Chester High School graduates and help for those living with cancer.
"Every year I am humbled by the overwhelming support and generosity of our community," said Carolina Crespo, president of the foundation and Natalia's sister. "Most knew my sister, but many that didn't are touched with her story of perseverance and resilience. Through this event, we are able to raise funds to support another person from our community. We always give back to a senior at PCHS in her memory. The greatest thing about the kickball event is that the community is able to share a day of friendly competition to represent our elementary schools - all for a good cause. It is such a fun day."
"She was a shining light in this community and is sorely missed, so when we're able to do these kinds of things in the community, I think it means so much," said Charlie Scopoletti, a local musician and childhood friend of Eirin's. A fellow cancer survivor, he said that he and Eirin were best friends as they both battled the disease.
"Even though she was going through these battles, she would always check in on me no matter how bad she was feeling. And that stuck with me, her family, this community," Scopoletti said.
Eirin was born in Uruguay and came to Port Chester when she was three years old. She graduated from Port Chester High School with Regents honors after being diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of 16.
She was very active in the school and community, and was awarded the Community Youth Hero of Westchester County. She attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, but was unable to complete her studies due to her illness. She married Fernando Eirin in Uruguay in 2002, and they lived in Norwalk, Conn. until her death.
The kickball tournament will be held Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. at Port Chester High School.
Participants must be 21 years old and a graduate of one of Port Chester's four elementary schools. If you would like to participate, email ncefoundation@gmail.com.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Port Chester and receive free news updates.
