10/01/2025
Hello NorthShore families,
This coming Monday, October 6, the Leland Volleyball program will be hosting our annual Dig Abby Fundraiser to support local community members dealing with cancer. This year our funds will go to support Gary Thomas. Gary has been a long time NorthShore coach and is an integral part of our program.
Late this summer, Gary developed a lump in his neck and after some testing, has been diagnosed with a treatable cancer with a very good prognosis. Right now we are waiting on the results of another test to find out what the treatment plan will look like. As of now, it seems surgery isn’t the best option, so treatment will likely include chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of both. While Gary still plans to coach, including this upcoming season, he does have some challenges upcoming and will need our support along the way. The Dig Abby Fundraiser will help cover health care costs Gary has and will continue to incur.
The thing I’m most proud of through building NorthShore is the community we’ve built and the love we share for the game and the people around it. Gary is a shining light in our gym, caring and inspiring for his teams, and like a brother to me.
I’m inviting you to come support Gary at our Dig Abby match on Monday, October 6 against Frankfort at Leland High School. The varsity match will begin around 7:00pm. There will be many incredible donations available for silent auction as well as a 50-50 raffle.
If you’re unable to attend, but would like to support Gary financially, you can Venmo me at -Baker-141 and just type Gary in the note. If your business would like to donate any items for our silent auction, please email Jane Lang at [email protected].
Thank you so much for your support!
Sincerely,
Travis Baker
