Zach Szykowny remembered the fear from four years ago that gripped his family.

His younger brother Max, who was 14 at the time, was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

The news brought on shock and fear.

“The outlook was bad,” Zach said. “He was going to need an operation and then chemo. You go through the whole mental process of things. It was really tough on our family.”

Max was enjoying eighth grade at Independence Junior High School in Palos Heights when he suddenly began experiencing headaches.

“I had them for about three weeks,” he said. “I’d throw up afterward and not be able to think for like two hours. Then in gym class one day, I got a headache and couldn’t see. I fell to the floor. It was super scary.”

Max underwent a 14-hour surgery, with doctors removing 99% of the tumor, which was determined to be benign.

While Max needed a second surgery, he wouldn’t have to undergo chemotherapy. He felt relief and happiness.

Now a senior at Shepard, Max is in excellent health. Other than having to go for a checkup once a year, he pretty much leads a normal life.

He’s on Shepard’s cross country team, preparing to enjoy his final year of high school.

“A couple of days after surgery, I felt guilty for having such an amazing outcome,” Max said. “A lot of families don’t have as good of a chance to beat this as I did. Our family wants to help other families.”

So three years ago, the Szykowny family organized a Wiffle Ball tournament, with all proceeds raised donated to the American Brain Tumor Association.

“With Max, our family was able to experience a good outcome,” Zach said. “But it could have been a lot worse. We want to do our part to try and raise money so all families affected by brain cancer have the same outcome as we have.”

Thus, the creation of Bats for Brains, which will take place at 9 a.m. July 20 at Elizabeth Conkey Woods, 13250 Central Ave., Palos Heights.

For information or to enter a team, go to www.batsforbrains.org.

Now in its third year, the tournament continues to attract more teams and raise additional money.

“The first year we had 20 teams and raised $5,860,” Zach said. “Last year we had 25 teams and raised $12,500. This year the goal is $20,000.

“We should have between 32 and 38 teams, and we’ve added some sponsors who have been very generous.”

For the Szykowny family, it has been an all-in effort.

While Zach has taken the lead, he has received significant help from his brothers Justin and Charlie and sister Alison along with their mother and father.

Max also has been a major contributor to the tournament’s success. In fact, he came up with the name — Bats for Brains.

“The tournament is growing a little faster than I expected,” Zach said with a laugh. “I played in a Wiffle Ball tournament that got shut down, and I asked some people what they thought about starting up our own tournament. We’ll get 400 to 500 come out to play and watch.”

Interested in playing? The lone requirement is participants must be at least 18 years old. Teams can have up to five players, although only three can play on defense — a pitcher and two fielders.

Each player receives a T-shirt, koozie, a wristband and the guarantee of at least three games. The entry fee is $250.

The Szykowny family would love to see the tournament grow.

“I don’t see any reason not to,” Max said. “Let’s keep expanding it and raising more money.”

And have fun while doing it.