Cognata Memorial Game a Success

May 8, 2013 -

Last night at St. John Fisher College the first annual Blake Cognata Memorial Lacrosse game was held. Pittsford Varsity girls played the Victor girls and the Pittsford boys played the Victor boys in a double header that, along with efforts from the Fairport Boys team, helped to raise $18,350. Fairport held their own event in March. The money will be donated to CURE in memory of Blake.

Four months ago, Blake lost his battle with Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare cancer. The Fairport High School football and lacrosse player died just before his eighteenth birthday, but the lacrosse communities have committed themselves to insure that his memory will live on.

Executive Director of CURE Childhood Cancer Association, Brian Wirth, pointed out signs, banners and clothing with Blake's statement, "Find your Strong". "He fought a strong battle and he was a strong young man", Wirth said. CURE supports more than 500 families each year. They provide financial assistance and "every day" kind of help for families struggling with children fighting cancer.

Both Pittsford teams won their varsity contests, but the real winners were the people who will remember Blake, and the people who will benefit from the outpouring of love for his memory. Said, Victor Athletic Director, Ron Whitcomb, "This is what interscholastic sports is all about".