Lake Norman man's fourth pickleball tournament raises funds for blood cancer research

Jim Schumacher has turned his fight against blood cancer into a community rallying point on the pickleball court.

Schumacher, a Lake Norman resident in remission from chronic lymphocytic leukemia, organized the fourth annual Schumacher Pickleball Tournament on July 19 at The Serve Pickleball + Kitchen in Cornelius. The event raised funds and awareness for blood cancer research through Serve It Forward for CLL, which benefits the CLL Foundation.

"You do not have to go through this journey alone," Schumacher said during an Aug. 17 appearance on WSIC's Good Morning LKN with reporter Dani Tubio, reflecting on the support he received from family, friends and the pickleball community during his treatment and recovery.

Players paid $75 to enter the tournament, with proceeds going directly to blood cancer research and awareness efforts. The Serve, located at 20220 Chartown Drive, hosted the event across its 16-court indoor and outdoor facility.

The venue thanked players, sponsors, volunteers and supporters in a post-event recap on Facebook, noting the tournament brought the community together for a cause beyond the game.

CLL is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. Schumacher credited the pickleball community with providing strength during his battle, and his annual tournament has grown into one of the Lake Norman area's recurring charity sports events.

The Serve Pickleball + Kitchen was founded by local philanthropists Jack and Robin Salzman, who operated a Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership for 20 years before launching the sports and entertainment complex. The facility features 10 indoor courts, six outdoor courts, four Topgolf Swing Suite bays and multiple dining options.

The full interview with Schumacher is available through the WSIC News app.