On Saturday, Sept. 27, the Elizabethtown College women’s field hockey team hosted its “Fight for Sight” game at Wolf Field, raising funds for the Foundation for Fighting Blindness. The foundation was established in 1971 to help find treatments and cures for blinding diseases. T-shirts were sold for $16 before and during the game, with all proceeds going to the foundation. 

The game was more than just a showdown on the field, it was a symbol of unity, resilience and unwavering support for one of their own. The inspiration for the game was first-year field hockey player Ava Ruggerio. When Ruggerio was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa in May 2022, her future became uncertain, but her support only grew stronger. Etown Field Hockey Head Coach Grace Hardy recognized Ruggerio’s condition and organized this awareness game to show full support for “Team Ava.”

The Foundation for Fighting Blindness’ website describes retinitis pigmentosa as “a group of inherited diseases causing retinal degeneration and a decline in vision.” It is a rare, incurable genetic disease that affects rod and cone photoreceptors in the retina and deteriorates peripheral and night vision. There is currently no cure.

“When I got diagnosed with it, I was scared,” Ruggerio says. “I could go blind in the future, but it’s not definite.” Despite the initial scare, she is “living her best life” in the present. She assures that her condition does not affect her playstyle or performance in any drastic capacity. Her determination is a source of inspiration to both her teammates and the greater Elizabethtown community. She engages in fundraisers outside of school as well to help support herself and other people with similar eyesight-related conditions. Ruggerio is grateful for the support from her coach and teammates.

In the days leading up to the game, students, faculty and staff were seen wearing “Fight for Sight” T-shirts across campus. Word was spread about the T-shirt sale fairly quickly. Watching people walk around campus with them, purchase them in the Brossman Commons or post them on Instagram grew ample attention to the event and its cause. Tyrne Keeney and Calleigh Hoy, two teammates helping with shirt sales, express their pride in standing with “Team Ava.” Keeney and Hoy, as well as many other teammates taking part in the sale, show their dedication to foster a more compassionate and open campus environment. 

“I feel like we did it for Ava,” Keeney said. “Because obviously this is part of her life, it is something she’s going through. So, raising awareness and money for it is both helping her and everyone else in the position.”

Indeed, the event was not just about raising funds; it was about starting a conversation. The players, students and spectators that showed up in support were standing up not only for Ava, but for the thousands of individuals affected by visual impairments around the world.

Keeney and Hoy go on to add that support for such a condition has brought the team closer together. They feel as though not enough people like to discuss their problems with others, so spreading awareness like this shows that they are willing to help their teammate and anyone with similar diagnoses.

“Everyone’s supporting her,” Keeney said. “We’re willing to do anything in our power to help her in any way we can.”

The awareness game served as a reminder that behind every athlete is a story. The Etown women’s field hockey team proved that a little effort and support can make all the difference. No matter the outcome of the game, the message carried on: no one fights alone.