The Charlotte Hans Softball Challenge will be held on Nov. 16 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Wellington Village Park.
The tournament originated in 2009 to benefit Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Michael Hans’ wife, Charlotte, who battled breast cancer that metastasized into brain cancer. Hans was not only a devoted deputy’s wife, but a loving mother of four. After a long battle, she sadly died the following year.
In memory and honor of Hans, the Charlotte Hans Softball Challenge has become an annual event. Each year, a PBSO employee or immediate family member is chosen to be a recipient. The recipient is someone who has been devastated by illness or the victim of a catastrophic event. The softball challenge is composed of teams of PBSO employees who play a two-game elimination softball tournament.
The event is family oriented, offering bounce houses, music, food and raffles for everyone to enjoy.
This year’s recipient is Cpl. Douglas Maney, a Florida native and former petty officer in the United States Navy, with 25 years of law enforcement experience, 10 years serving the citizens of Palm Beach County, and a husband, father and grandfather.
In 2012, Cpl. Maney’s wife, Linda, had surgery to remove a large malignant tumor near her heart and underwent aggressive chemotherapy and radiation. The doctors are still unable to locate the source of the cancer and will continue testing for at least the next five years. Currently, Maney has limited use of her hands and arms, making everyday tasks difficult.
In May 2013, Cpl. Maney had surgery to remove a tumor after which, a second surgery was necessary to stop internal bleeding. This caused Cpl. Maney to develop an internal infection, a large abscess and a staph infection, which is still unresolved.
Due to their medical issues, Cpl. Maney has missed numerous days of work and has already taken 108 days of unpaid leave. The past surgeries and the uncertainty of future health complications continue to cause tremendous emotional and financial burdens on the family.
Any monetary donations, goods or services would be greatly appreciated and go a long way toward helping this much-deserving family. All donations are tax deductible. Thin Blue Line Foundation is supporting this event, along with Sheriff Ric Bradshaw.
Event organizers are: Agent Keith Stokes (561) 351-6083, Marlynn Stokes (561) 662-6669, Sgt. George Grosso (561) 248-4442, Lt. Beth Krivda (561) 472-4596, Carla Grosso (561) 248-4470, Sgt. Mike Hans (561) 267-4434, Detective Paige McCann (561) 644-5704, Dawn Fish (561) 723-8107, D/S Heath Paulson (561) 531-8917, Detective Frankie Tomas (561) 644-4582 and Sgt. Mike Tranchant (561) 779-1300.
There is a $600 entry fee per team. Tickets cost $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 7 to 17 and free for children under 7. Tickets include food and drinks.
For more information e-mail chs2009@yahoo.com or find “Charlotte Hans Softball Benefit” on Facebook. Make cash donations to Thin Blur Line Foundation, 10101 Lantana Road, Suite L, Lake Worth, FL 33449. Charlotte Hans’ name must apprar on the memo line.
