The Southern Ohio Copperheads are partnering with the national non-profit Turn it Gold to raise awareness of childhood cancer and directly support research for treatment and families affected. On July 13th the team is honoring two families during the game, the Beatty’s and Hagemyer’s. 

Kenzley Beatty was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma in March 2023 at 17 months old, and has currently shown no evidence of disease as of October 2023. Her treatment consisted of 2 brain surgeries and 6 months of chemotherapy. Since October Kenzley has been able to be the best big sister to her brother, has taken her Make a Wish trip to Disney, and has finally been able to learn to walk! 

The Copperheads are also memorializing RJ Hagemyer during the game by presenting his family with the Brave Life Award. RJ is the brother of current Copperheads Director of Sales, Grace Hagemyer. RJ was a kind hearted, loving, and caring brother and son that loved classical music, animals, jokes made by his 2 sisters, cuddles with his mom and dad, and spending time with his family. RJ was born with developmental differences which played a large role in his life as it dictated medical needs, his everyday needs, and his life as a brother. He was diagnosed with peritoneal carcinomatosis on February 7th 2022. RJ went through many surgeries and hospital visits but he didn’t let this change who he was at the core.

The Copperheads have been collaborating with Lynn Harter, Co-Director of the Barbara Geralds Institute for Storytelling and Social Impact, professor at Ohio University’s School of Communication Studies, and Advisor to Turn It Gold, to create a meaningful experience for both families and contribute to furthering childhood cancer research. Lynn’s help to develop connections with local organizations like Passion Works Studio allows the Copperheads to deepen their community impact and create a unique fan experience for the Turn It Gold game.

Grace Hagemyer, Copperheads Director of Ticket Sales, is taking the lead for this game, as it is dear to her and her family. “I want to thank Lynn and Annie for bringing the opportunity to lead this night to my attention. Personally, having gone through the childhood cancer journey with my late brother, RJ, this cause is close to my heart.” The Copperheads are thankful Grace and her family are willing to share their story and use this night to honor another family that has been impacted by childhood cancer. 

President of Turn it Gold, Angela Dina commented, “We at Turn it Gold are humbled to continue this partnership with the Copperheads,Passion Works, and the Barbara Geralds Institute for Storytelling and Social Impact. This type of support for childhood cancer patients and their families is vital in changing the narrative and raising awareness for the deep need of funding for cures of this terrible disease.” 

Hagemyer commented, “Our ultimate goal in hosting the Turn it Gold with Passion game is to support children through this difficult journey of childhood cancer by raising awareness and funds.This journey is difficult and any support we can give to ease it in any way matters.” 

To learn more about Kenzley and RJ’s story and contribute be sure to join the Copperheads and Turn it Gold at Bob Wren Stadium on Saturday, July 13th at 7:05 pm. 

100% of ticket sales will go to the Beatty family while proceeds from the basket raffles, and silent auction for game worn Turn It Gold signature jerseys will be donated to childhood cancer research. 

If you’re unable to attend, consider participating in the virtual component of the Turn It Gold silent auction at Copperheadbaseball.com.

By Joshua Beach

The Southern Ohio Copperheads is a community-owned, student-operated 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Established in 2002, the Copperheads is a summer collegiate wooden bat baseball team that competes in the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League and plays its home games at Bob Wren Stadium in Athens, OH. The Copperheads organization strives to provide the most affordable means of family-friendly outdoor entertainment in southeast OH. Tickets to the Copperheads games are $5 and children under the age of 5 receive free admission. Staffed by Ohio University students, the Southern Ohio Copperheads also serve as a “learning lab” for student interns looking to work in the sport and entertainment industry.