FOUR OF A KIND: School friends and teammates rally around their friend Jacob Delancey after the loss of his father. They will join their league in holding a benefit tournament to help the Delancey family. From left in front: Morgan Craft, Austin Delancey, Jacob Johnson and Ajay Kolaprath standing.
Jodi Marze | Picayune Item

Forty-five days ago, Patrick Michael “Shaggy” Delancey, passed away at the age of 34 from a heart attack.

His wife Amy and their children, all under the age of 13-years-old: Sierra, Savannah and Austin, were faced with the hardship of losing an integral part of their family. They have also had to face the day-to-day demands of life without the emotional support of the most important man in their life, and the financial support he provided for them.

The family, known for their big hearts and community support, are a part of the Picayune Youth Athletic Association.

When Tim Craft, vice president of the baseball department, heard of Delancey’s passing, the first thing he did was reach out to other association members and ask what they could do to help the Delancey family.

“Austin is in the same class with my son Morgan,” Craft said. “There are four of them who are in the same class at Southside Elementary and they play ball together in the league. We are a family and we take care of our own.”

Craft and the league, including the Delancey family, came together to support Cameron Acker, a young ball player who was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia.  They held the Slam for Cam benefit tournament last year and exceeded the goals they set to help with the Acker family’s medical costs.

The event was so successful that when the Delancey children lost their father, Craft decided to continue the tradition of helping families under the same name in honor of Cameron Acker, who is now in remission.

This decision was made with the blessing of Cameron Acker’s parents.

Cameron’s mother Tricee Acker said, “So many people have been such a blessing to our family. My husband and I have decided that we are in a place now to be able to bless someone else. It is an honor that Mr. Craft and the league would even consider using our son’s name to do what they need to do to help others.”

While this year’s event was rescheduled due to rainy weather, it will begin Memorial Day and last through the end of season. The last days are scheduled for June 10 through 12.

“We are calling it Slam for Cam post season tournament,” Craft said.

The tournament will begin after all make up games have been completed.

“The league is sending players home with forms to seek sponsorships for a total of $20,” Craft said. “We have roughly 450 players, so if they only find $20 worth of sponsorships that will be a significant help to the Delancey family.”

During the tournament, volunteers will be collecting donations at park entrances, Craft said.

“We will be asking for at least a one dollar donation to go towards the fund. We won’t be asking people to pay every night,” he continued. “If they want to donate more that is great.”

Craft said if an individual or organization would like to sponsor a child or make a donation, to call him at (601) 273-0649.