Help Blake Strikeout Cancer

My name is Jim Cooney, and I'm the Youth Director for Marucci Midwest Baseball, based in Ozark, Missouri. We are raising money to help Blake Deepe & his family. Blake is a player in our organization from Republic, MO. He was diagnosed with Leukemia last June. Last summer Blake was 11 years old, and had just finished playing in a weekend baseball tournament. His parents noticed his stamina was very low and had him checked for a thyroid issue. On June 11, 2024, their worst nightmares were realized when they were informed Blake's white blood cell count was dangerously low, and he was airlifted to Mercy Children's Hospital in Kansas City. Once there, the doctor's suspicion's were confirmed.....Blake had Leukemia.

Since his diagnosis, he has had several hospital stays, various treatment attempts, IV's, shots, transfusions, and too much medication to keep track of. He's had several infections due to his compromised immune system. Several times the doctors informed them they weren't sure if he was going to make it, and were also in shock when he pulled through each time. It was determined by his doctors that he would then need a bone marrow transplant. Prior to this he had to go through full rounds of chemo & radiation to completely wipe out his own cell system.

Blake has been in the hospital since early December 2024, and after waiting for a donor to be a match, received his bone marrow transplant on December 11, 2024. Just prior to being released to the Ronald McDonald outpatient facility, Blake came down with a GI Infection that has prevented him from leaving the hospital. Blake also has developed terrible sores in his mouth, with excruciating pain. Blake has now been an inpatient at the hospital for approx 45 days and counting. When he is finally able, Blake will be transferred to an outpatient facility for an undetermined amount of time.

We are trying to raise money to help ease the family's financial burden during this terrible situation. Blake's mom has been in Kansas City with him this whole time. Blake's dad has had to commute back and forth from Republic to Kansas City as often as he can while he continues to work, and take care of their High School age son. Any money donated will go directly to helping the family. Blake has also had several tests / treatments that have not been covered by insurance.

Since his diagnosis, Blake and his family have used the quote "Keep Throwing Strikes". Blake loves baseball, especially pitching. He has told his family that his dream is to pitch in the Major Leagues and "what a story he will have someday to put on the back of his baseball card". The family has asked, and continues to ask, for your prayers as they help see their son through this.

#WePlay4Blake

Thank you