BEVERLY, Mass. – More children die from cancer in the United States than any other disease and the Endicott College women's lacrosse has teamed up with the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation's Vs. Cancer program to help change this. Throughout the season, the team is raising awareness and funds for local kids with cancer, and they will celebrate their efforts on April 10th at 4 PM during a home game against Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) opponent Nichols College.
Started by pediatric brain cancer survivor and former collegiate baseball player Chase Jones, Vs. Cancer empowers any sports team, any athlete, and any community to help kids with cancer. As a signature fundraising campaign of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, Vs. Cancer proceeds help fund child life programs in local hospitals and groundbreaking research to cure pediatric brain tumors, the deadliest childhood cancer.
In partnership with Vs. Cancer, Endicott lacrosse has selected the pediatric oncology unit at Dana Farber Cancer Institute to receive a portion of the funds they raise. They have set a fundraising goal of $2,500 and thanks to the generous support of family and friends they are getting close to reaching that goal.
"We are truly humbled by this partnership, and to be given the chance to play the game we love for such a great cause. The Vs. Cancer program gives us the opportunity to give back to the community in a way that can really change lives. It's easy to fall into a rhythm of competition, X's and O's, and leaving it all on the field in college athletics. This is a great way for us to take a step back and really appreciate what truly matters in life," said head coach Maureen Spellman.
Tom Carmean, director of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation's Northeast region, understands how vital these athletes are to the nonprofit's mission. "We applaud the efforts and generous spirit of Coach Spellman and the Endicott women's lacrosse team! Vs. Cancer wasn't just built by athletes for athletes. We were started by a pediatric brain cancer survivor, and we see every day how important family support and research are for children to thrive. With the support of this incredible team, we're fighting for healthier, happier futures for these kids!"
More information about the Endicott women's lacrosse fundraising efforts can be found at https://team.curethekids.org/endicottcollegewomenslax2019.
ABOUT THE PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION
As the world's leading nonprofit dedicated to children and teens with brain tumors, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation's mission is to care for families along their journey, cure all childhood brain tumors, and help survivors and families thrive. In 2016 the Vs. Cancer Foundation merged with the PBTF and now is a signature fundraising campaign of the nonprofit. Since 1991, the PBTF has funded more than $30 million in research to increase survivorship, improve quality of life, and ultimately eliminate pediatric brain tumors. We also provide emotional support, information, resource referrals, and other free services to families, including emergency financial assistance, peer support, and college and vocational scholarships. In addition to Vs. Cancer, the PBTF hosts Ride for Kids and Starry Night. Call 800-253-6530 or visit www.curethekids.org/mission to join us in our mission to Care. Cure. Thrive.
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Release courtesy of Tom Carmean
(Photo Credit - David Le '10)