10 Years After His Death, Joe Skinner’s Legacy Shines On

UPDATE: This Friday, December 19, the 10th Annual SkinnerStrong Charity Golf Tournament will kick off at Shingle Creek Golf Club in Orlando, marking a decade since Joe Skinner, a beloved Bishop Moore baseball star, lost his battle with leukemia at just 17 years old. His memory lives on through the foundation established by his parents, Judy and Scott Skinner, which has raised over $1 million for childhood leukemia research.

As the tournament approaches, Judy Skinner reflects on the past ten years: “It doesn’t feel like 10 years. It feels like yesterday. You never get over when one of your children dies.” This poignant statement encapsulates the enduring pain of loss but also highlights a powerful legacy that continues to inspire.

The SkinnerStrong Foundation, born from grief, now supports families facing the same merciless disease that took Joe. This year’s tournament, more than just a fundraising event, serves as a celebration of Joe’s vibrant spirit and the lives he touched.

On April 30, 2016, Joe passed away after a grueling fight against hypodiploid acute lymphoblastic leukemia, diagnosed just months prior. His story is not merely one of tragedy; it is a testament to resilience and the impact of service to others. As Judy recalls, even in his final days, Joe’s spirit remained unbroken. “He had one last at-bat during a game,” she said, recalling how the crowd erupted in applause, a moment transcending the sport itself.

Joe’s legacy is tangible at Bishop Moore High School, where the baseball field now bears his name. This tribute serves as a constant reminder of his passion, character, and the bonds he created among teammates and friends alike. UCF, where Joe had committed to play baseball, offered him a scholarship that remains honored, symbolizing hope amid despair.

In his memory, the SkinnerStrong Foundation has provided scholarships, funded research, and supported families navigating the harrowing experience of childhood cancer. Each dollar raised through the golf tournament contributes to this mission, empowering future generations to fight against leukemia.

As the community gathers to commemorate Joe’s life, Scott Skinner emphasizes the broader significance: “Joe’s legacy is about more than baseball. It’s about character, resilience, and love.”

This Friday’s event is expected to draw significant participation, with golfers united not just by sport but by a shared commitment to honoring Joe’s life. The SkinnerStrong Foundation continues to advocate for crucial research, ensuring that Joe’s light shines brightly, inspiring action and hope where despair once lived.

Joe Skinner’s story reminds us that life is not solely measured by duration but by the depth of one’s impact. His unwavering spirit and commitment to kindness serve as a beacon for all, teaching us that even in the face of adversity, we can choose to lift others up.

As the tournament approaches, the community stands united, driven by the memory of a remarkable young man whose legacy persists in every swing, every laugh, and every act of kindness. Joe Skinner may have left this world, but his light continues to guide and inspire.

Stay tuned for live coverage of the tournament and updates on the ongoing impact of the SkinnerStrong Foundation.