Community Corner
Chess Tournament will Raise Money for Brain Cancer
Joseph DeRaymond tournament named for late nurse who was stricken with disease.
A friendship forged over games of chess has led a St. Luke’s Hospital physician to organize a tournament and fundraiser to be held Saturday to raise awareness about a particularly aggressive and deadly form of brain cancer.
Dr. Andrew Unger first met Joseph S. DeRaymond in the late 1980s at the former Lehigh Valley Chess Club. At that time, the group held weekly meetings and games in the cafeteria of St. Luke’s Hospital in Fountain Hill.
Unger, Section Chief of Neonatology for St. Luke’s Hospital & Health Network, is an active and avid chess player. DeRaymond was a registered nurse who also made a name for himself in the Lehigh Valley and beyond as a peace activist and human-rights advocate.
Find out what's happening in Bethlehemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
About three years ago, DeRaymond was diagnosed with gioblastoma multiforma – brain cancer. After an initial excellent response to chemotherapy and radiation for more than a year, he lost his battle and died on Oct. 1, 2009.
Unger remembers going to DeRaymond’s home to play chess early in 2009 and, “even when he was sick from the chemo, he could beat me. He’d take five of six points at a sitting. And laugh.”
Find out what's happening in Bethlehemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
On Saturday, local U.S. Chess Federation members will gather at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 417 N. 7th St., Allentown for the Second Annual Joseph DeRaymond Chess Tournament. The purpose is to raise funds and awareness for gioblastoma multiforma.
The 7 round chess tournament will begin with registration at noon. Rounds are scheduled in half hour increments beginning at 1:30pm with the last beginning at 5pm The event is expected to end by 6:15pm.
There is no fee for spectators. Players must have a USCF membership and pay a $20 entry fee ($12 for beginners). First place will receive $150 plus a trophy, second place will receive $50, as will best under 1800, and best under 1600/unrated. There will also be a book prize drawing for those who do not win a prize.
Unger hopes to make this tournament an annual event to to memorialize his friend and to raise awareness about GBM tumors.
“I would like to raise money for GBM awareness and education,” he said. ”A chess tournament is a natural event for a disease that attacks the brain. That’s what chess is about — two people butting brains. And, I want to honor the memory of Joe. I have never met a more passionate and compassionate man.”
For full details, see the Allentown Center City Chess Club website at or contact organizer Eric C. Johnson at 610-433-6518. All players must register at the site.
