Western Dubuque Baseball Shines Bright for PBTF

When a small-town community comes together, the results can be truly extraordinary. Western Dubuque, a high school baseball team with a big heart, has achieved something incredible. Through their annual Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation Vs Cancer fundraising night, they’ve raised over $40,000, proving that the power of teamwork extends well beyond the baseball field. At the center of this inspiring story is Brett Harris, a standout junior player, whose courage has sparked a movement of compassion and action.

Rallying Around Brett Harris

Brett Harris, a junior catcher and pitcher for Western Dubuque, was diagnosed with a low-grade brain tumor in the spring of 2023. For any teenager, a diagnosis like this would be life-altering. For Brett, it came during the pivotal years of his budding baseball career. But Brett didn’t face this challenge alone.

Shortly after his diagnosis, Brett began a targeted therapy treatment thanks to a medication called Ojemda. The significance of this treatment wasn’t lost on Brett—Ojemda’s development had been significantly supported by the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, the very organization that Brett’s community would later unite to support.

“It was kind of cool to find out that the same foundation we helped raise money for was the same one that got the push to get the medicine approved,” Brett shared. “It’s a great feeling, especially because I know there are kids out there who have it much worse than me. If this medicine can help those kids live and survive, then I feel like we did a really good job.”

Brett’s story, filled with hope and resilience, became the heartbeat of the effort.

Breaking Records: The First Annual Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation Fundraiser

The first Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation Vs Cancer game hosted by Western Dubuque was nothing short of groundbreaking. The team raised over $41,000, shattering the national fundraising record for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Before this, the previous record-holder, Bradley University’s baseball team, had collected just over $22,000.

The event coincided with a marquee game against Dubuque Wahlert, drawing in a wave of support from the local community and beyond. Contributions poured in from families, businesses, and even the opposing team, Wahlert. Together, the efforts created something much larger than just a baseball game.

Coach Casey Bryant, a 25-season veteran and Hall of Fame inductee, stated, “It’s one of the most important things I’ve done in my career. It means everything to be a part of supporting a family that needs that support and a player who needs that support.”

The fundraising event was a multi-faceted campaign. Fans made direct donations, placed bids on auction items like sports memorabilia, and supported through purchases—such as receiving a contribution from every golf car sold by Harris Golf Cars. Major auction items included tickets to high-profile sporting events, autographed jerseys, and exclusive experiences like dining with professional athletes.

A Tradition of Giving Back Grows

Building on the success of their first event, Western Dubuque hosted its second Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation Vs Cancer Night in the summer of 2025. This year, the game against Cedar Rapids Prairie attracted a crowd of about 1,200 people, many of whom donned special T-shirts featuring Brett’s name and jersey number, 17.

Through online auctions, direct contributions, and sales proceeds, the team raised over $21,000 that night, with hopes of reaching $25,000. While the overall total was smaller than the inaugural event, the impact remained just as profound.

Reflecting on the second annual event, Brett remarked, “The support means a lot, especially here between games when I get a chance to walk up here and see a bunch of people wearing the shirt.” The sight of people from across the conference acknowledging and supporting his cause was particularly meaningful.

The Power of Community Support

Dave Mays, the director of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, was moved by what he witnessed in Farley, Iowa. “To see the turnout here is absolutely incredible, and the support this community has shown Brett, the Harris family, and their team has been moving.”

The small-town feel of cornfields and camaraderie made the atmosphere all the more special. But beyond the setting, the event underscored the immense generosity and dedication of the Western Dubuque community. Parents, students, residents, and local businesses banded together to support one of their own, making an immeasurable impact on Brett’s family and others fighting similar battles.

Making a Difference Beyond the Game

For Brett Harris, the community’s efforts have meant everything. Not only has he been able to continue pursuing the sport he loves amidst treatment, but he’s also felt the very tangible support of a network that cares deeply. “I try to approach every moment out there like you’re just a kid playing Little League again,” he said. “It’s super nice to be able to have the chance to still be able to play.”

Looking Ahead

Western Dubuque’s efforts are more than just a fundraising event, it’s a celebration of resilience, community, and hope. The impact of their efforts has gone far beyond the dollars raised—it’s about coming together, creating meaningful change, and sending a message of support to those who need it most.

Though no one knows how much will be raised in future events, one thing is certain—Western Dubuque has proven that even a small community can achieve incredible things when united by a common purpose.