The Austin and Huron Lake-Okabena girls basketball teams raised some funds for a good cause when they met on the court at Huron Lake-Okabena Saturday night.

In a game dubbed “Two Teams, One Cause,” the Wildcats and Packers helped raise at least $2,100 for the medical costs of Elliana Leopold, the 1-year old daughter of Austin residents Tyler and Mandy Leopold, who is fighting cancer. Tyler, a Huron Lake-Okabena grad, was at the game and he said it had been the first time he had been in the gym since 2007.

It was also the first time a lot of other fans had entered that gym in a long time as the game drew a big crowd. Leopold saw plenty of familiar faces.

“They had a very good crowd and it brought a lot of people back to the gym,” Tyler said. “That shows the kind of support there was. I want to thank everybody who supported us.”

Tyler met with both teams before the game, and it was announced Huron Lake-Okabena will hold a silent auction to raise more funds for Elliana in February.

Ellana, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in September, is now receiving chemotherapy to shrink a tumor in her chest.

Tyler said she went through another recent round of medical procedures, but she’s still upbeat.

“She’s doing great,” he said. “She’s still running around like she always does.”

For more information about Elliana and her treatment, visit her Caring Bridge site at www.caringbridge.org/visit/ellianaleopold orwww.facebook.com/prayersforelliana. Funds can be donated to the Leopolds through www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/prayers-for-elliana-leopold/245009.

Read more about Elliana Leopold and her family’s story at www.austindailyherald.com/?p=629413