Amanda Torres of Whitelaw is a 4th-grade girls’ youth basketball coach in Valders. She’s also the mother of 9-year-old Lexie.
Their world turned upside down on November 27th, 2024, when Amanda, just 36 years old, was diagnosed with stage four inflammatory breast cancer.
Sara Hochkammer works in The Valders School District and tells Seehafernrews.com—
” She (Amanda) also went through some further testing, where they found out through additional scans that the cancer had spread to her liver, lymph nodes, and bones. Amanda is undergoing treatment, and we want to support her.”
Junior Megan Hochkammer is the starting guard for the Viking girls’ basketball team. Sarah said Megan (her daughter) just felt compelled to do something.
“She is extremely close with Lexie, and as soon as Amanda told her, she came to me and said we need to do something. Let’s throw a fundraiser and help them and their family. Let’s do this.”
A group of team mothers got together one night after a game to discuss if they would like to do this and if they could take it on.
There was very little, if any, doubt, and shortly afterward, with countless volunteers pitching in on time and resources, there was full support thrown behind Amanda and Lexie to help them in their fight, co-coordinated by Hochkammer and Amy Olson.
It was only five years ago that Amanda lost her husband and Lexie, her father Peter, to cancer. We asked Sara how Lexie was holding up.
“Of course, she is scared and worried. Lexie has put her faith and trust in God, and she’s been so strong. Lexie is constantly telling her mom that everything will be o.k.” Sarah adds—
“Through the Lord, Lexie has given everyone positive advice, and it’s amazing to see how she’s been a comfort and blessing to everyone else.”
All this has led to Hochkammer, Valders, and surrounding communities asking you to attend if you are able, Thursday night’s girl’s basketball game between Valders and Two Rivers at Valders High School.
“Come out. Come on out and support Amanda and Lexie and their family. There will be some tough times ahead, and we, especially the basketball team, friends, and the community, want to support Amanda and Lexie all the way.”
Events include a 50/50 and basket raffle, Chuck a Duck at halftime, one minute for Amanda, where players will collect donations in the stands a minute before the game, and a free throw contest beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the high school gymnasium.
The game starts at 6:30 p.m. All proceeds go to the Torres family.
