Community Corner
Basketball Tournament To Support Local Cancer Patient in Waukesha
Waukesha residents look to support 12-year-old Andy Niebler in his battle against brain cancer.
It’s been almost a year to the day since 12-year-old Andy Niebler was first diagnosed with brain cancer. After 12 months of surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy treatments, Andy now has a whole community behind him in his fight for his life.
On Aug. 7, the Center Court Sports Complex in Waukesha will host a 3-on-3 basketball tournament to support Andy and his family.
The tournament will host up to 100 teams and will begin at noon (check-in starts at 11:30 a.m.). Different brackets will host teams of all ages, from children to adults. Along with a $2 admission fee, the cost is $100 to enter a team. All proceeds will go to the Niebler family.
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The fundraiser will also include a silent auction, 50-50 raffles, a balloon artist, clowns, face-painters, and T-shirts and bracelets for sale. Autographed items by professional football, basketball, and baseball players will be included in the silent auction.
“People hear his story and they are just driven to help,” said Maria Tiegs, one of the founders of the fundraiser.
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Tiegs’ son played in a baseball league with Andy last summer before he was diagnosed in July 2010. Together with five other parents, Tiegs and her husband, John, set up the tournament and began the fundraising website for Andy.
Andy returned from the hospital and has been living at home with his family since early June. He has been described simply as a fun-loving person, and his morale is very high. Though weak from his treatments, he recently has gained mobility with the help of a walker.
“Get involved and get people you know involved,” said Tiegs, who encourages everyone who is interested in supporting the Niebler family to sign up for the tournament.
As of July 5, only 12 teams have registered and there is room for 88 more. For more information on how to register, visit the website.
To see more about Andy's story, his family has set up a CaringBridge page to keep his friends, family and the community updated about his fight against the cancer.
