Team Ream scores win against cancer

Sunday marked a important win for Penn State men’s basketball, but also highlighted the support the State College and greater Centre County community has for those fighting for their health.

Armed with an oversized check, boxing gloves and the spirit of compassion, members of the Team Ream Foundation and Mount Nittany Medical Center celebrated the third annual Team Ream Day at the Bryce Jordan Center during the game. Honoring Penn State alumnus Brandon Ream, the event recognized the efforts made by the Team Ream Foundation to fund local families affected by cancer and disease.

“We are very thankful for the enduring support of the Penn State athletic department, Penn State basketball program and the community,” said Samantha Ream, Brandon’s wife.

Brandon Ream passed away following a battle against cancer in 2013. The Team Ream Foundation was organized in his memory and an annual game has been designated as Team Ream Day.

The foundation shares a close relationship with Mount Nittany Medical Center, Ream said during the game, working directly with the hospital and the fund they have set up through it. Patient navigators will contact Team Ream representatives who can authorize the use of funds.

“We can donate a few hundred up to a few thousand dollars,” she said, “straight to an area family for help.”

Team Ream T-shirts adorned the seats of the stadium, and attendees were encouraged to wear them. The most notable part of the day, however, took place during halftime.

Ream had noted in mid-February that the foundation was looking to surpass its 2015 donation of $20,000 to Mount Nittany. When the check was presented to the Foundation for Mount Nittany Health at halftime, it totaled $25,000.

“Every year we seem to think we’re making more,” Ream said. “More people are learning about the foundation, and a lot of people came together this weekend to support a great cause.”

Team Ream also recognizes its “Fighter of the Year” — an individual who has battled or overcome his or her disease. Last year, the foundation recognized NFL linebacker Tim Shaw for his fight against ALS.

This year, the foundation recognized two fighters — Penn State Marketing Manager Kathy Drysdale and men’s basketball equipment manager Mitch Stover.

Both were presented with a pair of golden boxing gloves.

Drysdale, who was escorted onto the court by her son, Dereck, said she was diagnosed in December 2014 with stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma and is now cancer-free. A former Lady Lion from 1988 to 1992, she thanked the Penn State community and Team Ream for their support.

“When they found out I had cancer, they were so supportive,” she said. “Team Ream was so generous that, when I was going through treatment, I was getting a lot of food given to me, so they donated a freezer chest to keep it in.”

Drysdale said it felt “amazing” to be awarded the gloves, adding that it’s easier to share her story now that her fight is over.

Stover, who was escorted onto the court by his wife, Linda, said he was diagnosed with bladder cancer and underwent surgery in May. Things went so well, that he was back to work by September and was able to run a 5K by Thanksgiving.

He said Team Ream was a “great program” and helped put his wife up in a hotel while he was recovering from surgery. The foundation also helped provide travel funds for his return trips to Hershey during his recovery.

“I’m just grateful to be here alive, and really grateful to the Ream family,” he said.

Attendees were invited to enjoy a freestyle BMX bicycle stunt show following the game.

A green “launch box” was wheeled to the floor of the Bryce Jordan Center, and cyclists with the Dialed Action Sports Team jumped, back-flipped and spun dozens of feet into the air, much to the delight of the mostly-adolescent audience.

Nathan Wessel, former BMX professional and ramp-designer, said all the stunt cyclists have been affiliated with Camp Woodward. Located in the Haines Township community of the same name, the camp cites itself as a “leader in lifestyle and action sports progression.”

Wessel said performing for groups like Team Ream is not uncommon, as he does a lot of entertainment for good causes.

“I’ve found a lot more personal entertainment doing things like this than during my regular career,” he said.

This story was originally published March 6, 2016 at 8:58 PM with the headline "Team Ream scores win against cancer."