When Kierstyn Drum attended a softball camp at Campbell University in January, she wanted to learn new techniques on catching. She did not expect to leave there with a desire to help a Campbell softball player.
“As I was leaving camp, I read a flyer about Amanda Littlejohn,” said Kierstyn, who just turned 13 years old.
Littlejohn was diagnosed with a form of melanoma last year. This year, when she went home to California for Thanksgiving break she found out the cancer had returned. She had to stay home this semester.
“When I read the flyer, I wanted to cry and told my parents I wanted to help her,” said Kierstyn.
Kierstyn’s dad, Lee, is faculty coordinator at Campbell’s RTP campus.
“I began to hang flyers around campus and e-mailed the student body to let them know my daughter’s goal of raising $250 for Amanda,” said Lee.
Lee was amazed by the response of the students.
“The money started rolling in. We had students matching certain amounts and checks arriving in the mail,” he said. “This just shows the class, character and compassion of Campbell University, especially the students at the RTP campus.”
Softball coach Drew Peterson accepted the check of over $1,100.00 on behalf of Littlejohn.
“This is very humbling that people who don’t know her are willing to give, especially to this degree,” he said. “People still have compassion and there is a sense of spirit in the community. This will give Amanda hope and let her know that even if she isn’t in Buies Creek she is not forgotten.”
Kierstyn would like Littlejohn to use the money towards a plane ticket to come and be with her teammates this spring. Most of all she wants Amanda to get well and return to the game she loves.
“My softball number is 21 and Amanda’s is 42,” said Kierstyn. “I was thinking that if I can be half as good as Amanda, then I’ll become an awesome player just as she is.”
Kierstyn Drum, daughter of Lee Drum, Jr.,Faculty Coordinator at the RTP Campus, presents check to softball coach Drew Peterson. Photo by Shannon Ryals.