WESTERVILLE, Ohio - Each year, the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) softball teams participate in the StrikeOut Cancer initiative through the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA). On Saturday, April 12, the OAC softball programs will raise funds for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation (NPCF) during all games.

The NFCA's StrikeOut Cancer program supports member coaches in their cancer awareness efforts. It leverages the personal experiences, community leadership and professional excellence of softball coaches across the nation to increase cancer education and promote healthy lifestyles through awareness and fundraising.

Since its inception more than ten years ago, the StrikeOut Cancer initiative has raised thousands of dollars to support the fight against cancer. These funds help cancer organizations continue their vital work, including cancer prevention, research, education, advocacy and service, ultimately saving lives and reducing the suffering caused by the disease.

The OAC softball teams are rallying behind the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation, joining University of Mount Union sophomore outfielder Kyndall Hahn and her family in her father's fight against cancer.

In December, Kyndall’s father, Brian Hahn, was diagnosed with Stage 4 melanoma. His diagnosis included tumors in multiple areas of his body, including his ribs, lymph nodes, lungs, liver, kidney, chest, pelvis, brain and spine. He is currently undergoing a combination of immunotherapy, cancer medication and radiation. Brian’s treatment regimen, which includes targeted therapy and immunotherapy, was part of a clinical trial until it received FDA approval in 2020. Despite the challenging circumstances, the family is encouraged by the recent positive news that the tumors have begun to shrink.

Although the Hahns continue to grieve the life they knew before cancer, they are finding moments of joy in their "new normal." In honor of Brian’s ongoing battle, the Hahn family has chosen to support the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. The foundation funds research aimed at eliminating cancer, with a particular focus on childhood cancer — a disease no child should have to face. 

Throughout this difficult journey, the Hahn family has remained optimistic. The support from the Mount Union community, both on and off the field, has been invaluable to Kyndall and her family during this challenging time.

Donations will be accepted at all OAC softball games on Saturday, and all proceeds will benefit the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. To learn more about the NPCF, click here.

2025 OAC Strikeout Cancer Games

Baldwin Wallace at Muskingum, 1:00 pm & 3:00 pm

Heidelberg at Otterbein, 1:00 pm & 3:00 pm

Marietta at Wilmington, 1:00 pm & 3:00 pm

Mount Union at Capital, 1:00 pm & 3:00 pm

Ohio Northern at John Carroll, 1:00 pm & 3:00 pm