RICHARDSON, Texas – The Lone Star Conference has joined Texas Woman’s University softball player Abby Burns in her fight against leukemia. Through merchandise sales at last weekend’s LSC Softball Crossover Tournament in San Angelo, the LSC raised $2,200 to help Abby pay for her medical expenses.

   Burns, who was able to attend but did not play in the three-day event at San Angelo’s Texas Bank Sports Park, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) this past January. She returned to Denton on Sunday to begin her third round of chemotherapy treatment Monday as she continues to wait on a bone marrow transplant.

   “Obviously the adversity that Abby has faced these past few months has caused all of us around the Lone Star Conference to approach this softball season a bit differently,” LSC Commissioner Stan Wagnon said. “It has been special to see teams from around the LSC showing their love and support for Abby this year, and last weekend was just another example of that.”

   The funds raised reflect the proceeds of all merchandise sold at the 15-team, 40-game event, including a special edition LSC Crossover Tournament t-shirt that paid tribute to Burns’ fight against leukemia with an orange ribbon and her jersey number, 19.

   LSC officials said the $2,200 in proceeds will be deposited into the “TWU Athletics Abby Burns Fund” at BBVA Compass Bank.

   “First and foremost, we chose to do this so that Abby would know this entire conference is behind her and wishing her well,” Wagnon said. “It’s our hope that donating the proceeds from the Crossover will relieve some of her financial burdens, but also we’re trying to raise awareness of her situation so that others can help as well.”

   Wagnon reported that about two dozen LSC Crossover t-shirts remain, and they will be sold out of the conference office for $15 while supplies last, with all proceeds continuing to benefit Burns. Sizes available are small (4), medium (14), large (4) and extra-large (10).

   Those interested in donating to her fund can do so at any BBVA Compass Bank location by referencing the “TWU Athletics Abby Burns Fund.” For more details on Abby and how you can help, please visit twuathletics.com or www.caringbridge.org/visit/abigailburns.

LSC Crossover t-shirt $15 while supplies last, with all proceeds continuing to benefit Abby Burns. Sizes available are small, medium, large and extra-large.  Click here to order.