Valencia unites at Coaches vs. Cancer basketball game

TOMÉ — A Coaches vs. Cancer boys’ basketball game Feb. 4 at Valencia High School, and activities surrounding it, raised $1,236 in memory of Rebecca “Porky” Marrujo.

Porky, who died in August at the age of 5 after a brief battle with leukemia, was the sister of Isaiah Rodriguez and cousin to Jordy Giron, who both play for the Jaguars.

According to Porky’s aunt Veronica Giron, Rodriguez “lost his heart in basketball” after his sister’s death, and “was having a really hard time not seeing her in the stands because she used to come to the games.”

To help Rodriguez through a difficult time, coach Jesse Hathoot reached out the American Cancer Society, which provided guidance, as well as banners and pledge sheets, with the Valencia County Sheriff’s Office donating special shirts.

“I thought that was really cool,” said Hathoot following the game against Belen. “I’m really proud of the community for showing up and showing support for Isaiah’s family.”

“Not only were the adults donating, but the student section, the band members, the cheerleaders — it was so sweet to witness,” said Giron.

Many of the student body wore gold ribbons and painted their faces in support of the cause.

Donations are still being accepted, either directly to the American Cancer Society in honor of Porky or through the VHS boys’ basketball Venmo account.

Giron says all proceeds will go to the ACS.

“Hopefully, some other family doesn’t lose their 5 year old,” Giron said.

“There’s more important things than basketball,” Hathoot added. “It’s important that you are around your loved ones, and you don’t take them for granted.”