GCC soccer to host Andie Carpenter Memorial

Contributed Photo – Andie Carpenter

BATAVIA – This Sunday the Genesee Community College soccer programs will be playing North Country Community College in memory of Andie Mae Carpenter, who suddenly passed away this past January.

Carpenter was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), a disease that weakens the connective tissues of the body. EDS also can weaken blood vessels and organs and no cure has been found.

A graduate of Holley Central School, Carpenter was majoring in the radiological technology program at North Country Community College. She enjoyed photography and taking hikes in nature outside of the classroom. She inspired to be a 46er, climbing all of the mountain peaks in the Adirondacks.

Carpenter wrote a memoir about living with EDS: “Even though I found out that I have (vascular) Ehlers Danlos, I still act like the same person I use to be. I still participate in many activities and enjoy life. You either accept the fact that you have the disorder and go on with your life like a normal person or worry about what could happen and not enjoy life at all. I chose to accept that I have it and go on with my days without worrying about it.”

Her family has created a memorial page on Facebook, Adventuresinlove4Andie where memories of her can be shared. The family has also started a scholarship at Holley Central School and a memorial scholarship was also established at North Country Community College.

Before the matchup against North Country Community College, the Genesee soccer programs will kick-off their 2019 seasons as they host Clinton Community College on Saturday. The NJCAA Soccer doubleheader will begin at 3 p.m.

The Genesee women’s soccer team will host North Country Community College at 1 p.m. Sunday, with the men’s game following at 3 p.m. Both programs will be entering the contests being in the top ten of the NJCAA Division III preseason polls.