POST FALLS - Four families have stepped to the plate to help families who have kids who are battling cancer.

This weekend's Sophie's Sluggers Annual Homer Dome Softball Tournament in Post Falls will help with the medical expenses of Coeur d'Alene 11-year-old Jordan Linville, who will attend Lakes Middle School this fall.

Chad and Dana Van Brunt and Marvin and Mindy Lickfold of Post Falls started the tournament two years ago to raise money for Sophie Medlock, who was diagnosed with leukemia and is now 4.

Sophie's parents, Jake and Nicole of Post Falls, were so humbled by the outpouring of community support that they wanted the beat to continue.

"We have had so much support from the surrounding communities that now we hold our own fundraiser to benefit a family going through the same horrific experience as we did," Nicole said. "The money that is donated comes from hard work, compassion and love, not only from the involved families, but from communities near and far."

Teams from throughout the region participate.

Last year, Kelly and Shauna Moore, friends of the Medlocks who held a different fundraiser for Sophie two years ago, joined the softball fundraising team that assisted Citlaly "Lolly" Chavarria of eastern Washington.

Patrick Linville, Jordan's father, said he and wife Kristi were touched to learn that their family was chosen to benefit from this year's tourney at Chase Fields next to River City Middle School.

"It's overwhelming how help comes along when you need it," Patrick said.

The tournament's goal is "helping families to knock out childhood cancer."

The Linvilles are at the Ronald McDonald House in Seattle where Jordan is being treated. She had surgery two weeks ago and is about to start radiation.

"She's doing really well, but she gets tired easily," Patrick said.

Jordan's condition first came up in January when she complained of shoulder pain.

"We thought it was growing pains or she aggravated an injury she had at Skate Plaza," he said, adding that a lump was then discovered in her chest. It turned out to be blue cell sarcoma, which is rare and aggressive.

Patrick said Jordan loves to read - and that has helped keep her occupied in the hospital and her spirits up.

"She's big into fantasy, science fiction and fairy tales," Patrick said.

How to help

Two more teams are needed to fill this weekend's Sophie's Sluggers Annual Homer Dome Softball Tournament in Post Falls at Chase Fields next to River City Middle School. Cost is $200 per team. To register, call Shauna Moore at 964-0934 or Nicole Medlock at 660-1525. There will be a home run derby on Saturday at 5 p.m. Cost is $5 for 10 pitches. Sign up by 4 p.m. There is no admission to the tournament.