OMAHA - The family of a brain cancer survivor is using its foundation and love for baseball to raise awareness.

Sammy Strawn of Omaha was diagnosed with pediatric brain cancer in October 2020 and went through several surgeries. Surgeons fully removed the cancer from his brain the following month.

After a lengthy recovery, his family reflected over the help of the community and realized the power of hope. This inspired them to start the Sammy Strong Foundation and raise awareness and help those also diagnosed with brain cancer.

“His whole why was, ‘I want to play baseball again,’” Sammy’s mother Sarah Strawn said. “It’s been pretty powerful for the foundation of just seeing that Sammy’s why is now continuing to help other kids on this journey too.”

The foundation is hosting an event on Saturday with a fun run, 5k, and a home run derby, which was Sammy's idea.

Emphasizing that it's a family fun event, the home run derby is for all ages. Kids will get to hit and shag balls at Werner Park in Papillion.