Dentist kickball tournament to raise money in honor of Kayla Perry

Teams of dentists will compete against each other this month at West Homewood Baseball Fields for a good cause. Orthodontist Deborah Sema’s inspiration to plan Kickin’ It for a Cure for April 24 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. came from a patient of hers, Kayla Perry. 

Perry, now a freshman at Auburn University, had been diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a pediatric cancer, and has been working since then to raise money for pediatric cancer research through Open Hands, Overflowing Hearts.

“I treated Kayla and her siblings, and she inspired me to do this, to do something more than write a check,” Sema said. “It’s a fun thing for us too. We dentists don’t get together with our staffs and just have fun, and now we get to raise money for children’s cancer research for Kayla.”

And all proceeds from the tournament are going to Children’s of Alabama in honor of Perry. 

Sema is encouraging area residents to watch the teams and buy raffle tickets and T-shirts at the event. Saw’s, Shindig’s, Steel City Pops and Dreamcakes will be coming out to serve food, and the Homewood JROTC will perform come out to do National Anthem. 

“We are encouraging the public to come out buy raffle tickets and shirts and support their dentist or staff member who is playing,” Sema said, noting there will be awards for the best team spirit and for most donations collected. 

In addition to Sema, Homewood’s Drs. Deanne Vail and Julie Webb and Dr. Spencer Maddox will be participating. 

Sema hopes for the event to be an annual one that grows each year.

To learn more about Perry and her efforts, visit openhandsoverflowinghearts.org.