Warren Central softball rallies around teammate fighting cancer - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Despite steady rain this weekend, hundreds of people played and watched softball. It was a fundraiser for a friend and teammate recently diagnosed with brain cancer.

Sunday's steady downpour was little deterrent to a softball tournament with a cause.

"Everyone is just trying to help the family and support them and prayers are definitely needed for her to maybe overcome this," said Cindy Orem, spectator.

Up until three weeks ago, Deja Jones was a normal 15-year-old. A standout softball player at Warren Central High School, she was doing what she loved - playing softball - when it became clear something was wrong.

"August 4th during tryouts, we saw that her whole right side became paralyzed," said Cathy Jones, Deja's mother.

A trip to the emergency room led to a battery of tests and a startling discovery.

"The oncologist came in that morning to tell us about the cancerous brain tumor she has in her brain stem," Jones explained.

Deja has an inoperable tumor. The only treatment is chemotherapy and radiation. Almost overnight, this benefit tournament was born.

"I see them playing and I want to play," said Deja, watching the game.

But they're playing in her honor. On their shirts it was apparent, today everyone is Deja Jones.

"I would do anything for her. If that was me, I would love everyone doing that for me," said one of the players.

"I think it's so great. And they support me a lot and love me," said Deja.

By the middle of the game, conditions on the field had grown so slick that the tournament was called off.

"Sorry we could not get the full tournament in but under these conditions, it is dangerous to play," came the announcement.

But the goal was accomplished.

"There's only two percent of people that beat this but in my eyes, two percent is better than zero so we are looking at it that way and we are going to fight this as hard as we can," said Cathy Jones.

So are hundreds, maybe thousands more, who are fighting to give Deja a chance.

This weekend's fundraiser is expected to bring in about $20,000 to help Deja Jones and her family with medical expenses.

Learn how you can help.

See Deja's Make A Wish page.