Joey Degner experienced a wider range of emotion than he expected when fundraising for Heidi Peters.
The former Barrhead Composite High School student was delighted that a basketball event raised nearly $600 for the teenager who is fighting cancer.
He was also greatly relieved that so many showed up for the Dec. 23 event in the east gym at BCHS.
But his own involvement in one of the games was cut short when he twisted his right knee after landing awkwardly.
The 19-year-old is now on crutches, but hopes to be walking freely again in several weeks once the injured ligaments have healed.
“It was a freak accident. I was told I had stretched the ligaments,” he said. “The good news is I haven’t torn them, since that would require an operation, from which it takes a year to recover.”
Degner was keen not to let his injury overshadow a fundraiser that exceeded his expectations.
In two games, BCHS boys and girls alumni competed against current students. No trophy was at stake, but the competition was keen.
The alumni – graduates from the last three years – won both games, although the main focus was the fundraising total. It was the only number that mattered.
“We raised close to $600,” said Degner. “We charged a toonie at the door, but a lot of people donated more than that, some as much as $20.”
Degner, who was helped by friend Megan Arnemann and BCHS teacher Leahan Schaffrick, said he was thrilled and relieved by the turnout.
“As I had never done anything like this before, I was a bit nervous beforehand, but a lot of people showed up after reading about the event in the paper. I would say nearly 100. The bleachers were fairly full.”
Buoyed by the success, Degner hopes to turn the fundraiser into an annual event.
“There are always worthy causes,” he said.
In the shorter term, however, he will focus on recovering from an injury that is immensely frustrating to a young man who enjoys playing hockey and basketball regularly with his friends.
“I’m someone who likes to be active,” he said. “I can only watch television for so long before it becomes tiring on the eyes.”
Degner hopes to go to college in September in Edmonton, although he doesn’t have a place confirmed.
Heidi Peters, who has osteosarcoma in her left leg, has been receiving treatment at Stollery Children’s Hospital and Misericordia, both in Edmonton.
The Grade 12 BCHS student – a keen volleyball player – is continuing her studies, doing them online or with the help of a tutor.
