Lower Hudson Valley Plays Ball for Organ Donors, Recipients

When Kathy Hruscik’s son Jason died, he left behind two priceless gifts—his corneas and his heart valves.

The late 25-year-old organ donor—a native of Sloatsburg, in western Rockland County—was able to save one life with his organs, and give another person the gift of sight. And while Kathy Hruscik is not currently in touch with the recipients, she hopes one day their paths will cross.

“I would love to look into the eyes of whoever got my son’s corneas,” she said.

Jason Hruscik, who taught second grade at P.S. 85 in the Bronx, died unexpectedly in his sleep five years ago. In addition to changing two lives with his donation, he was also the inspiration for an annual Organ Transplant Softball Tournament.

“It started five years ago,” explained Kathy Hruscik. Its modest, grassroots beginning quickly grew, however, and now draws between 800 and 1,000 people. 

“We’ve had the same people for five years,” Hruscik added. “And every year they bring new people.”

Last year, the game brought in about $10,000, and hosted folks from Rockland, Westchester and Orange counties, and New York City, as well.

This year’s fundraiser is Saturday, July 12, 2013, at the Sloatsburg Community Fields. The event kicks off at 9 a.m., and wraps around 5 p.m. Lauren Shields, the now-12-year-old Stony Point youngster who was the catalyst for Lauren's Law, will be throwing out the first pitch. Shields received a heart transplant when she was nine.    

A total of 12 softball teams will play, and many of the athletes are kidney, liver and heart donation recipients, Hruscik said.

“These are people that literally wouldn’t be here right now if wasn’t for donations,” Hruscik added.

One of the players will be Michael Prendergast, 59, who works as the Transit Marketing Director with Rockland County. Prendergast received a liver transplant in October of 2007—and was sitting in his county office when the call came.  

Prendergast praised the Hruscik's dedication.

"They're like a miracle," he said. "They register more and more people every year."

The day also provides attendees the opportunity to sign up as organ donors, and offers organ donation education—like dispelling the notion that registered donors are given less life-saving medical attention is vegetative.

“That’s so totally untrue,” Hruscik said. “This is a learning experience for many people.”

Saturday also features vendors, a DJ and raffles. “It’s a huge family day,” Hruscik said. “While people are playing ball, [others] can shop. We’re trying to make this our biggest year ever.”

Softball players donate $25 to participate, and spectators are encouraged to donate, as well. Proceeds go toward the New York Organ Donor Association—which helps stage the event—and P.S. 85.

Kathy Hruscik says she and her son would often sit at their kitchen table and discuss the importance of organ donors.

 “We would joke around, and he would say, ‘if anyone wanted something from me, they’re welcome to have it,’” Hruscik recalled. “[So] it was a no brainer—I knew he would want to do this.”