WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) celebrated the continuation of the friendly rivalry between the women of Congress and women of the D.C. press corps at the 15th Annual Congressional Softball Game (CWSG). Since 2009, the CWSG has supported the Young Survival Coalition by raising awareness of breast cancer in young women and honoring current fighters and survivors of cancer.

This year, Rep. Castor stepped on the field to bat for Tampa native, health care hero and current breast cancer fighter Dr. Vondalyn Wright. At the time of her diagnosis, Dr. Wright was raising a family, operating a thriving business and helping vaccinate thousands of people against the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite her own personal health challenges, Dr. Wright protected the health of her fellow Floridians and became an inspiration to young women battling cancer through her Fight Wright Foundation.

Photos of the game are available here.

“When I got diagnosed, I remember that all the older women I knew that dealt with cancer never spoke about it,” said Dr. Wright. “I did not want to be that way. I wanted to show what real young people look like and their lives when they have this disease, and how we can support each other. Cancer does not discriminate; it does not care who you are. It is more important than ever for young black women to get screened. It could save your life.”

“The Congressional Women’s Softball Game is a friendly rivalry that supports the important cause of raising awareness of breast cancer and highlights the importance of young women taking seriously their breast health, getting their screenings and understanding their family history,” said Rep. Castor. “I was honored to play for Dr. Vondalyn Wright, whose inspiring work to educate, empower and engage Black women on their breast cancer risks is saving lives.”

An estimated 297,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, and an estimated 43,700 women will die from the disease, according to the American Cancer Society.

Rep. Castor has been a leader in the Congress in advancing legislation to fight cancer through increased preventative vaccinations, expanded access to cancer screenings and investments in cancer research.