Peru- Did you ever want to hit a police officer without the threat of incarceration? Emergency service organizations in Miami County are presenting that chance to anyone willing to participate in the “Dodging for Lexi” dodge ball tournament on June 21, 2014, at Peru High School. The round robin style tournament starts at 11:00 a.m., with registration beginning at 10:00 a.m. This is a community tournament. Anyone over the age of 10 can enter a team of six to ten players for a registration fee of $100. All proceeds will go to the family of Alexa “Lexi” Beachy, 3, Peru, IN. The money will assist with medical expenses and associated cost while Lexi fights a serious kidney disease. There are local law enforcement teams signed up to play. So anyone who would like the chance to hit a police officer and others (with a dodge ball) for a good cause, the “Dodging for Lexi” tournament is for them.
Alexa (Lexi) is the three-old daughter of Elizabeth and Indiana State Trooper Wendell Beachy. Approximately eight months ago doctors at Riley Children’s Hospital diagnosed Lexi with a serious kidney disease called focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS). FSGS causes scarring on the kidney’s filtering system eventually causing complete kidney failure. The scarring of Lexi’s kidneys has affected her body’s ability to hold protein. Her parents take her to Ft. Wayne two or three times a week for protein infusions. Lexi also takes several medications to aid in her kidney function and associated health problems due to the FSGS. Unfortunately, odds are Lexi will eventually end up on dialysis and need a kidney transplant. Anyone who has had a loved one with a debilitating disease knows how emotionally taxing and financially straining it can be. The financial strain is compounded when treatment has to be sought outside the local community, as is the case with Lexi. Emergency service agencies in Miami County would like to give back to the community that supports them on a daily basis. So the idea of a benefit dodge ball tournament, for a local cause, was born. This year the money raised will go to Lexi. If the tournament is a success the goal is to hold an annual event.
“Even though we joke about hitting a cop, the cause is serious,” stated Indiana State Police Sergeant Dean Marks. “We are hoping to raise money to help Lexi while at the same time hosting a fun event that local families can enjoy.”
Anyone wishing to form a team and play in the tournament should contact Dean Marks at 765-469-0004 or TJ Zeiser at 765-469-3012. There will be registration the day of the event, but it is preferred teams pre-register for organizational purposes. There is no admission fee for spectators and concessions will be available.
