Turkey Bowl will donate to cancer research

HINCKLEY TWP. — Mike Meadows, founder of the 32nd annual Meadows Turkey Bowl, had an epiphany while attending a Christian concert at St. Ambrose Church. Matthew West was singing, "Do Something!" and it became crystal clear what Meadows had to do. In the song's lyrics, West raises his fist to God and implores him to do something about all that is wrong with the world. God replies that he has done something. "I created you," he said. Meadows' son, Pete, was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer called oligodendroglioma, on Jan. 14, 2020. A baseball-sized tumor was removed from his brain during surgery in Houston. Pete said he's beating cancer with faith, a good diet and a desperate pursuit of finding a cure. "We can say we're going to hope and pray for a cure," Mike Meadows said. "But we're going to find a cure." On the Turkey Bowl's 2021 flyer, the Meadows said, "Cancer picked a fight with the wrong family. Don't cross us. We fight back!" He said the song "Do Something?" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_RjndG0IX8) is a perfect anthem for this year's Turkey Bowl, held annually on Thanksgiving Day on the football field built behind his business, 1st Day School Supplies, 2659 Center Road, Hinckley Township. Six flag-football teams will start round robin action at 7 a.m. Mike Meadows, 55, said 25 percent of the proceeds from this year's game will fund cancer research to find a cure for oligodendroglioma. He figures that will be about $100,000. The game generated $416,000 last year, bringing its total to $2.6 million all time. They are hoping to top the $3 million mark. As always, St. Vincent DePaul will receive 100 percent of the proceeds and a portion will be doled out to the Grace Foundation, which helps Medina County cancer patients. Mike Meadows, a Medina High School graduate who has moved to Hinckley along with his thriving business ventures, said the day Pete was diagnosed was dreadful — the large, close-knit family's worst day on record. Yet, exactly one year later, the Meadows' celebrated the birth of their first grandchild, Mia Rafaella (which means God's healing hand). She's the daughter of Mike's son, Matt, and wife Maria. Fittingly, Pete is the baby's godfather. Pete, 28, and his wife, Anita, recently celebrated their second anniversary. He will be going back to the hospital soon for his four-month cancer scan. "It's a hold-your-breath moment," his father said. "Pete's been doing fantastic. So far, so good." Sports celebrities Lee Corso and Tommy Vardell have continued to support the game. One big supporter won't, however, as WTAM-1100 AM's Mike Trivisonno died on Oct. 28. "He'll be remembered at our game," Mike Meadows said. "One of our teams are dedicating the game to Triv and will wear his name on the backs of their jerseys." Also, Al Melchiorre, of Sharon Township, will likely be playing in his last Turkey Bowl game. Now, 58, he's playing despite a hip replacement. The former wrestler at Ohio State was part of the first year of the fundraiser. "I can't imagine the Turkey Bowl without Al," Mike Meadows said. Mike's older brother, 60-year-old Bill, is also still playing. Medina plumber Bill Biegel, who once raised $67,000 one year for the game, is a legend for his fundraising abilities. He's the all-time fundraising champ of the game, followed by Melchiorre. Contact reporter Bob Finnan at areanews@medina-gazette.com.