Treasured Time to host softball marathon to support Derby family

Treasured Time’s Third Annual Extra Innings Softball Marathon Sept. 10-11 will support the wish of Nicole Mather of Derby, pictured from left with her son, Austin, and husband, Brian. / Contributed photo

STRATFORD - Extreme heat in mid-August has resulted in Treasured Time’s Third Annual Extra Innings Softball Marathon to be moved to Sept. 10-11 at Frank DeLuca Hall of Fame Stadium.

This semi-competitive fundraiser aims to help make the wish of a terminally ill mother in Derby come true by encouraging the community to form softball teams and play one-hour games to win a night in the Treasured Time suite at a Bridgeport Bluefish game.

Proceeds support the Treasured Time’s mission to grant the wishes of parents with life-threatening illnesses. 
This year’s Extra Innings Marathon will directly benefit the newest Treasured Time “gift of moments” recipient, Nicole Mather of Derby.

The event starts at 7 a.m. Sept. 10 and runs until 9 p.m., including an exciting Home Run Derby competition for men and women at 7:30 p.m. that night and a Home Run Derby Jr. competition (13 and younger) at 8 p.m. 
The Home Run Derby winners will get a dinner for two at Vazzy’s Cucina in Shelton. 
The marathon resumes at 7 a.m. Sept. 11 and concludes with a championship game at 7:30 p.m. that day.

Registration is limited to the first 40 teams consisting of at least 10 players per team. The team that scores the most runs in a win on Saturday will play in the championship against the team that scored the most runs in a win on Sunday.

The entry fee to participate is $250 per team, and the deadline to register is Sept. 6. 
The fee for the Home Run Derby Jr. is $20, and $25 for the adult Home Run Derby. 

Tickets for spectators to attend the softball marathon are $5. 
There will be activities throughout the event including corn hole, DJs, and raffles.

For more information or to register a team or for the Homerun Derby, contact Jenn at 203-446-1068 or jenn@treasuredtime.org.

“The great part about this event is that you don’t have to be a softball player to join in on the fun,” said event organizer Jenn Moffat. “We have many companies and families, who have been affected by life-threatening illnesses, who come out to enjoy the day and support our mission. We match the teams up by skill level, so everyone is welcome to play. The weekend is really not about competition, it’s about the cause.”

In addition to supporting Treasured Time, the marathon is held in honor of former Bluefish General Manager and Treasured Time supporter Ken Shepard.

Derby woman hopes to renew vows in Vegas

Nicole Mather, 43, of Derby, became sick at age 15. After a few years of not knowing what was wrong and various tests, she was diagnosed with lupus at 17.

Since then, life has been very difficult. She has been in and out of the hospital throughout her life. Shortly after her diagnosis, Mather was in a major car accident in which she was put on life support and administered Last Rites by a priest.

Nicole defied the odds of the accident and her illness and found true love in her husband, Brian. The couple was told they would never have children, but Mather again proved the exception and was blessed with her “miracle baby,” Austin, who is now 17. 

Recently, Mather was diagnosed with diabetes and has suffered two severe strokes and three mini strokes. She has APS lupus which creates blood clots throughout her body, intensifying her susceptibility to strokes. 
Mather could have a stroke that changes her life forever at any time, but for right now, she does what she can to enjoy life despite her limitations.

Mather's wish is to go to Las Vegas and renew her vows with her true love and have her son walk her down the aisle. They will be married 20 years this September.

Treasured Time, Inc. is a CT based 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to grant the wishes of parents with life threatening illnesses who want to create a lasting memory with their children.  
With your help, Treasured Time, Inc. can provide families with the “Gift of Moments”.

For more information, visit treasuredtime.org.

This is a press release from Treasured Time.