Submitted by: Ferndale Chamber of Commerce
The Makayla’s Street JAM (MSJ) organization donated $20,000 and 266 blankets to Strong Against Cancer and Seattle Children’s Hospital on Friday, December 13, 2019. This annual event has raised over $120,000 since its inception seven years ago. Each year, the MSJ Committee makes their annual pilgrimage to Seattle bringing warmth for children and much needed funding to help find a cure for childhood cancers.
Makayla Nicolaas was only 13 years old when she passed away from childhood cancer, less than one year from her diagnosis. One of Makayla’s favorite things was to compete in 3-on-3 tournaments. She had an intense sense of competition and was incredibly tough. In fact, many called her Nails, short for “tough as nails”. By hosting a 3-on-3 tournament in her name we celebrate her love of the sport, and the Ferndale community who came around her and her family.
“The Makayla’s Street JAM Committee has dedicated years of their lives to this fantastic all ages, family event. It’s so important that Ferndale community knows the depth of impact they have made in the strides to support families who have been impacted by this horrible disease as well as supporting a cure.”
—Anya Milton, Executive Director of the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce
This is the second year that the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce has organized the event, due to the fantastic growth it’s had over the years. Save the date for the next tournament, August 1-2, 2020 held at Pioneer Pavilion. More info can be found at www.makaylasstreetjam.com.
Makayla’s Street Jam Committee is comprised of:
- Rick & Karen Nicolaas, Makayla’s parents, past Chelsey Ebert Jam Committee members
- Makenzie & TJ Genger, Makayla’s sister and brother-in-law
- Mallory Nicolaas, Makayla’s sister
- Fran & Ted Genger, In-laws to the Nicolaas family
- Mike & Wendy Hammes, Ram Construction
- Chris Hart, Boss Construction
- Charlotte Hart, SPIE Marketing Project Manager
- Jim & Kelly Slaughter, friends of the family
- The Gunter and family, friends of the Nicolaas family
- Ferndale Chamber of Commerce
Mission: Makayla’s Street JAM 3-on-3 –“Hoopin’ for a Cure” annual basketball tournament honors the passion that Makayla Nicolaas brought to the game, while providing the Ferndale community with a successful, family-focused event that is a catalyst for raising awareness and funding for the eradication of childhood cancers.
