Softball tourney to benefit family of EMT Jessica Sanchez
Public safety community rallies in memory of one of their own
Members of the community will take to the softball field in honor of a fallen first responder, with proceeds from a tournament benefiting her family.
Lee County Emergency Medical Services EMT Jessica Sanchez, of North Fort Myers, tragically passed away in September following an off-duty accident. Sanchez joined the department in 2023 and during her time, Lee County Public Safety officials said “she became known for her bright smile, positivity, and remarkable ability to lift up everyone around her.”
Lee County Sheriff’s Office Deputies First Class Mathew Bellomy and Chris Leavens, who are brothers, have organized the Jessica Sanchez Memorial Tournament which will take place Oct. 12 at the Lee Health Sports Complex in Fort Myers.
“Chris runs softball tournaments fairly regularly in the area, and Jessica Sanchez played softball and was well known and liked in the softball community locally,” Bellomy said. “It was honestly a pretty easy decision to try and put together a charity tournament in her memory.
“Chris and I competed against her in softball and she was a very good player and great competitor. Chris and I both work with her twin sister at LCSO and have been on the same shift with her for a few years. I do know she made a positive impact in the community and with all she had interactions with.”
Proceeds from this charity tournament, after the cost to run the event, will go directly to the family.
“After we donate to the family, we are hoping that the funds can help pay for any funeral costs, any burdens or debts the family may have moving forward, and also possibly setting up a trust of some sorts for her son for the future,” Bellomy said.
This tournament is one of many examples of how first responders rally around one another, especially in a time or crisis or tragedy.
“First responders are one large family, even if we are normally sorted into many different areas such as police, fire and medical,” Bellomy said. “When something happens to one person or agency, it happens to all of us and we all feel the effects, good or bad. The one thing that sets us apart, speaking for our local community, is our strength and unity always shine brightest even in the most unfortunate circumstances.”
Bellomy said support from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Along with the softball tournament, Leavens designed long-sleeve and short-sleeve shirts that memorialize Sanchez, and is still taking orders for them with more than 100 already sold. Leavens also started a GoFundMe which has been receiving donations. Bellomy is handling the vendor and raffle side of the event, along with another friend and coworker at LCSO, Sam Azevedo. They currently have an art vendor, two local business sponsors, and more than 20 items donated for raffle. If permitting proves possible, they will add food vendors as well with nine lined up.
“I am still receiving messages daily from the community wanting to help any way they can,” Bellomy said. “We are not in need of any more food vendors, however we would love to invite more product vendors, sponsors and items for raffle. Any vendor does need to have their own insurance to set up on site.”
The tournament is completely full and is no longer accepting teams or individual players.
To donate to the GoFundMe set up by Leavens, visit www.gofundme.com/f/8y8kzs-jessica-sanchez.
The Southwest Florida Professional Firefighters and Paramedics, Local 1826, has also organized a GoFundMe, https://www.gofundme.com/f/donate-to-jessica-sanchezs-family-for-funeral-and-support .