Annual Robbie Thompson Slo-Pitch Tournament Raises $11K for Cancer Care

Photo (left to right): Linda Walton - Tournament Fundraiser, Jenny Gallagher - Cancer Care Nurse (CVH), Robbie Thompson, Sophie Lalic, Joleen Lechasseur - Tournament Coordinator, and Rhonda Stevens from the Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation.

For three days in early September, twenty-two slo-pitch teams hit the ball diamonds at Lewis Park with two very special people on their minds: Jim Lalic and Robbie Thompson.

Twenty-seven years ago, Jim Lalic had a vision to raise funds for a family in need through a slo-pitch tournament. At the time (1999), a baby boy was critically ill awaiting a heart transplant in Toronto with his family. Uprooted from the Comox Valley, the family had no work and very limited funds to sustain their livelihood.  Thanks to Jim’s fundraising, Robbie and his family were supported and could return to their hometown and restart their life after this health crisis.

Robbie Thompson's health journey is complex, with incredible courage and determination to live life to the fullest at the core of this individual.  He received three heart transplants before the age of six. He faced a diagnosis of muscular dystrophy and alopecia with bravery and humor, all while pursuing post-secondary education at Vancouver Island University. Most recently, Robbie was diagnosed with a unique type of lymphoma and received treatment through the Cancer Care Unit at the Comox Valley Hospital.

Grateful for his care and always keen to give back to community, Robbie wanted this year's slo-pitch tournament proceeds to benefit our local hospital and fellow cancer care patients.

Unbelievable generosity and fierce determination are how people describe Jim Lalic and all those who continue his legacy of care and compassion. Sadly, Jim passed away in 2022, however his boisterous spirit shines each year through his beloved slo-pitch tournament which has raised tens of thousands of dollars to help a variety of endeavours.

The $11,023 raised from this year's tournament will go towards the purchase of specialized treatment chairs for the Cancer Care Unit. The Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation was honoured to steward this gift and is sincerely grateful for Jim’s vision and community spirit which were brilliantly carried forward by the tournament's planning committee and by slo-pitch participants.