How Sequim’s Picklers Are Making a Difference: The Sequim Picklers Pickleball Club (SPC) recently demonstrated the strength of its community, rallying together to support a family facing a challenging journey. Members gathered at Carrie Blake Community Park to show the unity, compassion, and volunteer spirit that define this close-knit club.
On October 19, a crowd gathered at Carrie Blake Community Park for Bo Pickleball Day, a heartfelt fundraiser organized by Rodney Diseker, Jennifer Cox, and Tiffaney Isaacson. The event was held to assist the Bo family from Sequim as they navigate the medical journey of their youngest daughter, Ellie Bo, who is undergoing extensive treatment at a Seattle hospital.
Vebol and Shauna Bo, dedicated pickleball players along with their children—Laina (11), Liem (8), and Ellie (5)—are well-known at the local courts. Laina and Liem have taken after their parents, becoming budding pickleball enthusiasts themselves.
Ellie’s Resilience Amid Health Challenges
Ellie was born with a congenital heart defect requiring valve replacement surgery and prolonged hospital treatment as a newborn. Diagnosed with severe scoliosis, she has spent much of her life in an upper body cast. Now, her scoliosis is impacting her lung function, and she is undergoing a second round of treatment that involves a halo device applying tension to her spine.
Recently, Ellie was scheduled for a significant back surgery where rods would be inserted to stabilize her spine. Despite these medical challenges, Ellie’s optimism and joyful spirit shine through, with her parents describing her as a social and vibrant child with a knack for video games. Her resilience has inspired many in the pickleball community.
Rallying for Ellie: Games, BBQ, and Fundraising
The Bo Pickleball Day event featured a barbeque, group pickleball games, and a raffle coordinated by SPC member Sharman Owens, showcasing over 60 donated items. Ellie’s father, Vebol Bo, expressed his gratitude, visibly moved by the overwhelming support from his fellow SPC members.
In a heartfelt post on Facebook, he shared, “Pickleball has changed our [family’s] lives for the better, and the community we have is hands down an incredible sight to see.” Through SPC’s fundraising efforts, more than $7,000 has been raised to assist the Bo family.
SPC’s Ongoing Commitment to Community Service
Key volunteers at the event included the SPC Care Team, a newly established support group. This team provides assistance to injured club members who lack a support network at home. Care Team volunteers offer prepared meals, help with groceries, and arrange transportation to medical appointments for up to two weeks post-injury.
Community service did not end with Bo Pickleball Day. The following day, 13 SPC members participated in a quarterly cleanup, gathering 22 bags of trash along a stretch of Highway 101. This effort was organized by SPC member Pam Woodruff.
Additionally, the SPC demonstrates its commitment to community health by offering free pickleball lessons each spring and summer, ensuring that all members of the Sequim community can participate in the sport.
News in Brief: How Sequim’s Picklers Are Making a Difference
The Sequim Picklers Pickleball Club (SPC) held “Bo Pickleball Day” on October 19 to support the Bo family as their daughter Ellie undergoes significant medical treatment in Seattle. Dozens gathered for games, a barbeque, and a raffle organized by key SPC volunteers. The club raised over $7,000 for the family, underscoring its commitment to helping members in need. The SPC’s outreach extends further with volunteer initiatives like roadside cleanups and free community pickleball lessons.
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