'Sideline Cancer' Game to Assist W-burg Resident Lacie Merritts

The Williamsburg Lady Pirates will be hosting a “Bigger than Basketball Game” on Wednesday, Jan. 24, when they play Southern Huntingdon, spearheaded by Sideline Cancer.

Sideline Cancer throughout this area has raised more than $80,000 for those who battle cancer. In these games such as the upcoming one in Williamsburg, proceeds raised from Sideline Cancer merchandise and other fundraisers will help benefit a local person who is battling cancer.

According to Sideline Cancer Executive Director Jordan Griffith, “when it comes to picking schools, we try to do the same schools while adding a few schools to the basketball schedule each year. This year, we chose Williamsburg as one of those schools as we have nearly ten girls from our AAU program, making this the perfect place for us to host an event.”

This year’s recipient is Williamsburg alum and current resident Lacie Merritts.

Head Coach Amy Hileman said, “Though I don’t know Lacie personally, I had community members who reached out on her behalf when news was spreading that we were looking for our Sideline Cancer recipient. Our Lady Pirates basketball program is happy for the opportunity to team up with Sideline Cancer and Southern Huntingdon for this great event in helping Lacie in her battle.”

Merritts is a 2002 graduate of Williamsburg. Merritts is married to the “love of her life,” Jake, and they have two children together – Rein and Esmae, who both attend the school district. Merritts also has two stepchildren – Jacob and Benjamin, and a grandson, Rhyatt.

Her battle with cancer started seven years ago when she was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, a slowly progressing and uncommon type of blood-cell cancer that begins in the bone marrow. Diagnosis is typically made through routine blood work. Merritts has been battling the disease since her diagnosis.

“We are awaiting what the next steps will be,” Merritts said. “I am just so thankful for my friends and family who have been with me every step of the way. I also want to thank Sideline Cancer along with the basketball team for bringing awareness to this disease, and choosing me to be a recipient. Thanks is not enough.”

“God willing,” Merritts says, she will be in attendance for the game between Williamsburg and Southern Huntingdon beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Williamsburg.