Tars come to aid of teammate

cade FeitlerNewport Harbor girls’ basketball team holding fundraiser for the family of Cade Feitler, whose sister plays for the SailorsThe Newport Harbor High girls’ basketball team are doing what it can to help one of its players.

The team’s booster club is sponsoring an auction to help offset the medical bills for the family of Cade Feitler, an Ensign Intermediate School student. McKenzie Feitler, a senior reserve for the Sailors, is Cade’s older sister.

Team members and parents will be selling opportunity tickets for a variety of prizes that have been donated. The items include ticket packages for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, salon visits and dinners.

The drawing will be held at the team’s end-of-season banquet.

Cade, 13, sustained major head injuries in a car crash on Feb. 7. He remains at Children’s Hospital of Orange County, where he is undergoing physical therapy to regain movement in his arms and legs.

A number of groups and individuals have provided assistance to the Feitler family. Parents at Ensign organized a dodge ball tournament in September, and Daily Pilot columnist Greer Wylder ran in the New York City Marathon to raise additional funds.

Booster club president Don Daniels said he has known the Feitler family for years.

“I have known McKenzie and Cade as they were growing up. I got the chance to coach McKenzie and [Daniels’ daughter] Katie in junior basketball and softball,” Daniels said.

Feitler family members said they appreciate the emotional support, as much as the financial help.

“It has been overwhelming. I am so thankful of the support that we have received,” Joe Feitler, Cade and McKenzie’s father, said after the Sailors’ game against Palos Verdes on Monday night.

“Cade loved going to McKenzie’s games and I know he would be here if he could.”

If you have items you would like to donate for the opportunity drawing, contact Don Daniels at (949) 293-8645. To find out more about Cade’s recovery visit www.prayforcade.bravehost.com.