Baseball Benefit This Weekend For Montco Boys Who Died Too Young

NORTH WALES, PA — A local youth baseball association is hosting a benefit event this coming weekend in memory of two local boys who passed away from illnesses.

The Nor-Gwyn Hawks will be hosting the 'Angels in the Outfield' fundraiser from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday to benefit the families of Shane Williams and Jayden Rodriguez.

The event, which is in its second year, will take place at the Nor-Gwyn Baseball Field at 145 Hancock Road in North Wales.

The day will include a baseball tournament, raffle baskets, bake sale, refreshments and more family fun.

Williams passed away this spring after battling an unspecified illness. He was a fifth-grade student at North Wales Elementary School.

Related: Fundraiser Launched For Family Of Deceased North Wales Fifth Grader

Shane's father, Dan Williams, told Patch this week that his son went through a "heroic battle" while fighting a sudden illness for which he underwent treatment at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia before his untimely passing in April.

He was hospitalized for about a month.

A GoFundMe that originally sought to raise around $20,000 for Williams has now raised more than $44,000.

Rodriguez died at 13 years of age back in January 2021.

A report on 6 ABC said he passed away from a congenital heart condition that was previously unknown to his family.

A GoFundMe for Rodriguez has now raised more than $25,000 out of a stated goal of $30,000.

"From the moment Jayden was born, his inner joy seemed to shine and as he grew, the more endearing people found him," the Rodriguez GoFundMe description states. "He never had a shortage of friends and was doted on by every adult in his life."

A flyer with information about Shane Williams said the young boy was, "kind, patient, thoughtful, loving and so much more."

The flyer says that Williams loved throwing baseballs quietly in his backyard and dreamed of becoming a professional pitcher.

"His hard work and desire to achieve his goals is an inspiration to all of us," the flyer reads.

Shane Williams was only 10 years old when he died.

Funds raised during the event in Williams' name will be used to support sick children with medical procedures, toy purchases and other items to "make the hospital stay less scary," the flyer says.

Money raised in Rodriguez's name will be given to Simon's Heart, Jayden's Light and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Anyone interested in learning more about this weekend's event can check out additional details on the 'Shelling for Shane' Facebook page.