Since 2012, the Arnie Isberg 1-Pitch Tournament has brought teams together in the spirit of competition—but the real champions are the cancer patients in our community. Thanks to the incredible generosity of sponsors, players, volunteers and teams, this event has raised more than $190,000 in support of the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation. All proceeds are directed to our Cancer Diagnostic and Treatment Fund. This fund ensures our hospital is equipped with the latest in cancer diagnostic and treatment technologies—because when facing illness, being close to home makes all the difference. Your support of events like this empowers the Foundation to purchase vital equipment for our Community Cancer Centre and medical imaging department, helping deliver quality cancer care right here in Fort St. John.
The Arnie Isberg Memorial I-Pitch Tournament began in 2012, born from a place of deep love and remembrance. Founded by Vern Isberg to honour his brother Arnie, who had passed away from cancer, the tournament was created not only as a tribute but as a way to give back—raising funds for the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation’s Cancer Diagnostic and Treatment Fund.
That first year, the tournament became even more personal for many. Just eight days before the inaugural event, Kerri Ruttan Laurin lost her brother Danny to cancer. Encouraged by Vern, Kerri and her family formed Team Sumo, joining the tournament in Danny’s memory. It was an emotional beginning, but one filled with purpose, unity, and healing.
Over the years, the tournament grew—not just in size, but in spirit. What started with eight teams became a powerful community tradition. Players, sponsors, volunteers, and spectators came together each year, not just to compete, but to remember loved ones, support those still fighting, and raise critical funds to ensure cancer patients in Fort St. John could receive care close to home.
When Vern moved away, he entrusted the tournament to Team Sumo. Kerri and her team took on the responsibility with care and dedication, continuing to build. The tournament flourished, becoming a beacon of hope and remembrance in the community.
In 2020 and 2021 the tournament took on other forms, with all fundraising events cancelled. The Light for Life, Join the Fight Luminary Ceremony was introduced in 2020 and in 2021, some of the folks rallied together to support a fellow ball player’s Bluey Day campaign. Though there was a moment when the future of the tournament was uncertain, the spirit of the event—and the community behind it—proved too strong to let it go.
Through laughter, tears, and countless memories, the Arnie Isberg Memorial I-Pitch Tournament has raised over $190,000 for cancer care in Fort St. John. It has helped fund diagnostic equipment, supported local treatment options, and most importantly, brought people together in a shared mission of love and support.
This tournament is more than a game. It’s a legacy. It’s a promise that those we’ve lost will never be forgotten—and that their memory will continue to make a difference.
