20th Annual Kicks for Cancer

Concord-Carlisle Celebrates 20 Years of Kicks for Cancer

For 20 years, Kicks for Cancer has united the Concord-Carlisle community around one powerful goal: using sports to help fight cancer.

Founded in 2007 and hosted by the Friends of Concord-Carlisle High School Men’s Soccer, Kicks for Cancer began as a single soccer match between Concord-Carlisle and Boston Latin. Today, it has grown into a week-long, multi-sport community tradition involving student-athletes, schools, local businesses, families, and community members.

The event raises funds to support research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute focused on the early detection of ovarian cancer. Over the years, Kicks for Cancer has raised more than $1 million, demonstrating the tremendous impact a community can make when it comes together around a shared cause.

The partnership has grown even stronger with the establishment of The Concord-Carlisle Kicks for Cancer Fund at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, representing a five-year, $500,000 commitment to support Dr. Dipanjan Chowdhury’s research lab and its work toward developing an early-detection blood test for ovarian cancer.

What started on the soccer field has also expanded throughout the Concord-Carlisle athletic community. The week now includes initiatives such as K’s for Cancer through cross country, Links for Cancer through golf, Digs for Cancerthrough volleyball, Poms for Cancer through cheer, Sticks for Cancer through field hockey, Tackles for Cancerthrough football, Rallies for Cancer through ping pong, and Picks for Cancer featuring student musicians.

The community-wide effort also includes the Mighty Moose Fun Run and 5K, held in memory of Concord resident Jenna Swaim, who courageously battled ovarian cancer before passing away in 2018.

Perhaps one of the most meaningful signs of Kicks for Cancer’s lasting impact can now be seen in its next generation.

For the first time, Concord-Carlisle Youth Soccer seventh- and eighth-grade travel teams took the field wearing Kicks for Cancer jerseys, each personalized with the name of a loved one who has been impacted by cancer.

Under a spectacular sunset and even a pink rainbow, the young athletes carried forward a tradition that has become deeply rooted in their community.

From high school student-athletes and younger players to families, educators, businesses, and supporters throughout the area, Kicks for Cancer continues to show what can happen when an entire community rallies around a cause.

Twenty years later, the mission remains as meaningful as ever — One Community, One Goal.

Those who would like to support the effort can still contribute through Kicks for Cancer at kicksforcancer.org.