BEEKMANTOWN — Seven area high schools will take part Saturday in the Volley for a Cure Tournament at Beekmantown Central.

The girls' volleyball event, which will get under way at 9 a.m., will involve Plattsburgh High, Northern Adirondack, Northeastern Clinton, Peru, Saranac, AuSable Valley and host Beekmantown. There will be round-robin play leading to the playoffs in the afternoon.

This year's tournament will benefit a young girl with local ties to the greater Plattsburgh community. On March 24, 2008, Hannah Sarah Sames was diagnosed with Giant Axonal Neuropathy (GAN). She is just four years old.

Giant Axonal Neuropathy is an extremely rare genetic disorder that causes progressive, irreversible damage to nerve cells. "Hannah's Hope for G.A.N." is a parent, family, and friend driven organization dedicated to finding a treatment and a cure for Giant Axonal Neuropathy. Hannah's Hope Fund is funding research, raising awareness, and facilitating communication to stop this ravaging disease.

Hannah's mom, Lori (Burnell) Sames, is a 1988 graduate of Beekmantown Central School. Her dad, Matt, is a 1986 graduate of Plattsburgh High School. Hannah resides in Rexford, N.Y., with her sisters Reagan (age 7) and Madison (age 10).

The participating teams have been soliciting donations on behalf of Hannah's Hope and spectators will be encouraged to donate at the tournament. There will be a snack bar available.

Awards will be given to the first- and second-place teams, the Most Valuable Player, Most Valuable Setter and Most Valuable Defensive Player. In addition, there will be an all-tournament team.