St. Patrick Catholic high school community rallies around student-athlete Katherine Adams after life-changing news

Earlier this year, Katherine Adams, who is going to be a junior next year at St. Patrick Catholic high school and a member of the Lady Irish soccer and tennis team, was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma – a form of cancer that most often occurs around the bones.

On Monday, over 200 people gathered at the Biloxi pickleball courts to participate in a fundraiser with all proceeds going to the Adam’s family. Something that was put on by her closest friends, teammates, and even her twin sister Ella.

“It’s really, like, sweet and I just didn’t expect this big of a turnout,” she said. “I didn’t even know this many people knew her. The fact that everyone came out just gave me hope.”

There was a $20 entry fee for every team in the tournament. 90 teams, yes 90 different teams, signed up to compete in support of Katherine. Something her friends say shouldn’t be a surprise.

“I think Katherine is way more loved than she even knows she is,” Elizabeth Colson said. “So, yes I expected it. Is it overwhelming at the same time? Yes because, I mean, I don’t even know a lot of these people out here. So it is really cool to see all of these people out here.”

“I expected it,” said Ava Stoddard. “Katherine is just, like, a light. Everyone, of course, wanted to be here and support her. I feel like she is here with us. I feel like I see her in everyone, especially with everyone wearing yellow.”

July is national sarcoma awareness month and yellow represents sarcoma or bone cancer. In addition to wearing yellow, members of the boys soccer team had shirts made with Adams’ number on the back with the hashtag “PrayForKat” on the front and back. But why pickleball? If you ask her soccer teammates it makes perfect sense and is all about hope.

“Katherine is one of my best friends and we always come out here and play pickleball together and she is usually my partner,” said Anna Katherine Triffley. “Just coming out here and doing something that she would love to do it would mean a lot to her.”

Olivia Jones added that, “It just means a lot. Seeing everyone come together, kind of like Elle said. it gives me hope for Katherine’s future. Just to see that everyone wants to support and help.”

Long time friend Leah Alvarez said that, “”It’s really cool because seeing all of these people in support for Katherine and just showing up for her is just really cool to see and experience in real time.”

If you were unable to attend Monday’s fundraiser but are interested in helping the Adams family during this time there will be a 5k run on August 3rd.