The Jamestown Police Department and Old Timers Baseball Team played an exhibition game recently – but the real winner was the Tantillo family.

The game drew enough of a crowd to raise $1,500 to support the ongoing medical treatments for Stefano Tantillo, the one and half year old son of Tommy and Diana Tantillo of Jamestown, who is facing Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

“We are out here to play ball and raise funds for the Tantillo family,” said Lt. Sam Piazza of the Jamestown Police Department.

According to duchenne.com, DMD is a rare, genetic condition that is characterized by progressive muscle damage and weakness. This rare disease is caused by a genetic mutation that prevents the body from producing a protein called dystrophin. Dystrophin acts like a shock absorber when muscles contract. Without dystrophin, muscles become increasingly damaged and weakened. They may also lose the ability to repair themselves after an injury. Over time, children with Duchenne will develop problems walking and breathing. Eventually, the heart and the muscles that help them breathe will cease to function. Duchenne is an irreversible, progressive disease. While there have been many advancements in the management of Duchenne, a cure is not yet available.

Duchenne primarily affects males, with 1 in 3,500 to 5,000 boys born worldwide having Duchenne. In rare cases, it can also affect females.

Tommy Tantillo said he was blown away at the community’s outpouring of support for his son and family.

“This crowd is incredible,” he said about those who came to watch the game and offer assistance.

During the seventh inning stretch, a check for $1,500 was presented to the Tantillo family on behalf of the Jamestown Police Kendall Club Police Benevolent Association and the Old Timers. The contribution is intended to help cover some of the expenses the Tantillos are expecting to face as Stefano begins his treatments and therapies. The $ 1,500 check did not include food sales and other fundraising efforts during the game. The rest of the money will be distributed later.

A significant event occurred when the winner of the 50/50 raffle at the game was announced. The winner declined to accept the winnings, which totaled more than $132, and instead donated the entire amount of the winnings to the Tantillo family.

The game was called to a halt in the bottom of the ninth inning when the Old Timers’ first baseman was accidentally hit in the face with a soft ball and required medical assistance. As a result, JPD won the game by a score of two to one.

Pat Smeraldo, the founder and president of Collaborative Children’s Solutions (CCS) posted on Facebook, “In my opinion when someone in our community is facing a challenge we should come together to support them. Tommy Tantillo and Diana Tantillo along with their son Stefano, are facing a future of unknown challenges. Tommy and Di are very important to Jill and I, as well as my sons Jacob and Nicky, so we’re going to support the Tantillo’s in any way we can. I realize we are in a community with numerous needs but if you’re able to help out it may bring us all together in a small way as we come together to support this little guy.”

A pasta dinner fundraiser for the Tantillo family is set to take place Oct. 12, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Jamestown Elks Lodge located at 339 E. Fourth St., and will include food, drinks, 50/50 giveaway, basket giveaways and a booze wagon raffle. Tickets are $15 a person and can be purchased now or the day of the event. For more information or to purchase a ticket call 716-397-9877.