Del Ballard, Jr. was diagnosed with tonsil cancer in May of 2010. From that day forward, life has never been the same.
Not long after his diagnosis, while Del rested after treatment, a group of friends resolved to create a fun event to raise funds for others navigating the cancer journey. As discussions progressed, a fundraising event called Ballard Vs. the Big “C” became a reality.
Del’s wife, Carolyn Dorin-Ballard recalls, “I remember saying if we get about 15 teams and raise $10,000, we will be going in the right direction.” His response was “Carolyn, you are way too low. It’s going to be bigger than that.”
“Within days, our business plan was written, put into motion and everyone we contacted helped in one way or another,” said Carolyn. “That was 12 years ago! Our team is strong and keeps growing. It’s amazing what the love for one person can do and how it can change the lives of others.”
With the help of many, Ballard vs. the Big “C” (BVBC), a bowling charity event and auction, has raised and distributed close to $800,000 in support to several charities in our community, including the Baylor Scott & White All Saints Health Foundation, the North Texas Laryngectomy Society and Cancer Care Services. It was created out of love and friendship for a husband, dad, brother, uncle and friend.
The Ballards and their friends recognized that their common love of bowling could impact lives both in their local community and worldwide. According to Carolyn, one of the highlights of the event is introducing new people and businesses to the sport of bowling. When it comes to medical care and essential support services, like the precision required in bowling, attention is paramount.
When it comes to medical care and essential support services, like the precision required in bowling, attention is paramount. So is having the right people on your care team. The Ballards are proud how BVBC has helped provide resources to those who might not have access to what they need during and after treatment.
“Del has helped many people over the years on and off the lanes,” said Carolyn. “He was a true champion and one of the best the sport has seen. However, it’s his strength in the midst of adversity that is amazing. BVBC is a true testament to how much he is loved. Anyone that tells me things are not possible does not know the power of friendship or the power of the bowling community.”
Del and Carolyn continually say they are doing what they are supposed to do – helping others who may not be able to help themselves and give back to our community through their sport.
A little bit about Del and Carolyn
Born into the environment of bowling, parents of both Del Ballard and Carolyn Dorin-Ballard were avid bowlers from an early age. They were destined to use their talents in many ways for good.
At 18 years of age, Del joined the PBA (Professional Bowlers Tour) and earned 13 titles which included four major championships of which two were U.S. Open titles. He is a 2009 United States Bowling Congress Hall of Fame award winner and is ranked 29th among the greatest of all time.
At 25, Carolyn joined the Ladies Pro Bowlers Tour, later to become the Professional Women’s Bowling Association, and won 20 national championships, including three majors in her career. She also captured two PBA Women’s World Series titles as well as the World Tour Championship in 2011. This 2008 United States Bowling Congress Hall of Fame award winner admits she was never the most talented, but credits hard work and determination for her success.
Off the lanes, Del and Carolyn are the owners of Ballard’s Bowling Academy and Ballard’s Bowling Academy Pro Shops. However, they both agree their greatest accomplishment is their daughter, Alyssa.
