Bowling fundraiser raises $9K for St. Joseph student battling Ewing’s sarcoma

Bowling is one team that St. Joseph High School senior Eli Swierczewski doesn’t play on.

But that didn’t stop the 18-year-old from getting a strike at least once Sunday during a bowling fundraiser to help raise money for his cancer treatment at Wildlife Lanes in Lower Burrell.

“I’m having a lot of fun so far, and a lot more fun to come,” Swierczewski said.

Swierczewski is battling a recurrence of Ewing’s sarcoma, a cancer that most often occurs in and around the bones.

Roughly 200 classmates, teachers, friends, family and athletes from other school districts turned out in support of the well-loved student, who plays soccer, basketball and baseball for the Harrison school.

This isn’t the first fundraiser that’s been held for Swierczewski since he was re-diagnosed with cancer in October.

The St. Joseph Athletic Association is selling short- and long-sleeved T-shirts, wristbands and hats and is hosting a spaghetti dinner March 7.

“I don’t know if they could do much more than they’re doing,” Swierczewski said. “I think they’re kind of really hitting the max here, but it’s awesome.”

The idea for the fundraiser — “Spartans Strike Out Sarcoma” — came from Swierczewski’s friend, Bowen Lambermont, who is on the bowling team.

The two teens have been friends since they were freshman.

“Bowling is just something fun,” Lambermont said. “It’s something anybody can do. I figured people would come out and enjoy themselves.”

Pam Swierczewski, Eli’s mom, said her son has been positive throughout the whole ordeal.

He still works, goes to school, attends basketball practices and games and hopes to play baseball in the spring, she said.

“This is just something running in the background that he’s forced to deal with,” she said. “That’s how he treats it.”

“You gotta keep your head up,” Swierczewski said.

Swierczewski beat the disease a first time when he was in the seventh grade. A tumor was found in his right arm. Surgery and chemotherapy removed it.

In October, he was diagnosed with spots on his lungs. He’s undergoing chemotherapy.

Sunday’s fundraiser, a combined effort of the athletic association and the bowling team, raised just over $9,000 for Swierczewski’s family.

Bowling coach Michael Pater said the money will be given to Swierczewski’s family for whatever is needed.

“Whether that be medical expenses or even just gas money,” he said.

The spaghetti dinner will be held on March 7 at Patterson Hall at Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament, next door to St. Joe’s in Harrison.

It will be $10 a person and include pasta and meatballs, salad, rolls, beverages and dessert.