Montcalm Community College Centurions fans got their pink on and filled the gymnasium to help raise awareness and funds for cancer awareness during the women’s home volleyball game on Tuesday, Oct. 8.

The Centurions defeated Bay College in four sets with scores of 26-24, 23-25, 30-28 and 25-17.

Maia Sexton recorded a career high, 17 kills to lead the Centurions. Setting up the offense was Tiana Whitacre who recorded a double-double 42 assists and 20 digs. Leading the defense was Jaden Gomez who recorded a career high 30 digs and Alanna Kent who picked up 3 blocks. Piper Groesser recorded a match high 6 service aces. 

The game helped raise $2,125 that will benefit The Big O Foundation for the second year in a row. 

Established in January 2021, the Big O Foundation works to support cancer patients and their families in Montcalm County with financial help for treatment and mental health assistance.

The Foundation is a direct result of a local man – Oryan Wetherington, son of Chris and Sarah Wetherington, of Stanton – who was faced with a cancer diagnosis at a young age.

“In fall of 2017, our lives were shaken up and we were thrown into many thoughts of disbelief, fear and worry,” Sarah said. “As a senior in college, Oryan had pain and discomfort in his groin area. Through a couple of doctor visits, we were informed that he had been diagnosed with testicular cancer.”

Less than 10 days after his diagnosis, Oryan underwent surgery to remove the tumor. About a week after surgery, Oryan received a check in the mail from a non-profit organization with a letter stating the check was to help with any expenses that may be incurred during his fight.

Sarah explained that at first, Oryan wanted to send the money back and ask them to re-gift it to someone in greater need. However, as the family talked about it, they decided they would find a way to pay it forward. This led to the Kicking Cancer with Oryan Golf Outing.

“We started this outing to fundraise for the purpose of helping Montcalm County families,” Sarah said. “In our first three years, we were able to donate approximately $37,000 to this organization.

“After the 2020 outing, Oryan decided that he wanted to start his own foundation with a similar but different approach. Oryan wanted to include, in his mission, helping cancer patients with mental health therapy,” she said.

The Big O Foundation focuses on three main areas – direct monetary support for cancer patients in Montcalm County, offering at least one scholarship at each of the seven high schools in Montcalm County to a qualifying graduating senior, and offering monetary support for patients that need help with a mental health struggle that they may be having as it relates to their cancer diagnosis.

Since the Big O Foundation was established, it has raised $74,873.99 from its golf outings and donations and has issued 106 checks to support others.

“Our goal is to be able to continue increasing those amounts in the future,” Sarah said.

Sarah said from the beginning, their family received an outpouring of support from the community and continues to receive support through generous contributions from area businesses and individuals who support the golf outing each year.

“It is very emotional and heart-warming to see the support. Because of their support, we are able to help those in Montcalm County,” she said. “We live in a very amazing and generous community and have some amazing supporters.

“The only outlet we have to find out about those who have been diagnosed with cancer is by people reaching out to us,” Sarah said.

The Big O Foundation may be found on Facebook or visit their website at www.bigofoundation.org.

Oryan will be seven years cancer free on October 30, 2024.

MCC Athletic Director Hunter Redman said the Wetherington family’s story and commitment to giving back to the community is why the Big O Foundation was selected as the college’s partner again this year for the Pink Out game.

“Community is our middle name here at Montcalm Community College, and working with the Big O Foundation is another way that we can support our community,” Redman said. “At MCC, we are transforming lives every day, and the Wetherington’s are doing the same as they seek to help alleviate some of the financial burden that comes along with a cancer diagnosis.”