Number of Participants: 49
Hours Donated: 10
Value of Time Served: $4,141
Event Type: Health & Medicine
Sport: Boys Lacrosse
Date: September 15, 2024
Location:
Adelphi University
South Avenue, Garden City
NY
About:
Garden City, N.Y. – The 2024 Division II National Champions, Adelphi men’s lacrosse announced that they are joining lacrosse teams and athletes across the country in accepting the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation’s LaCROSSe Out Cancer Challenge. These college lacrosse players are using their time and talent to raise visibility about the critical need for increasing financial support for pediatric cancer research.
Each day, 47 American children are diagnosed with cancer and more children under 20 years old are lost to cancer annually than any other disease. Advancing research that has a high potential for saving lives and doing so without the toxic side effects that are prevalent today is the only solution.
Head Lacrosse Coach Gordon Purdie accepted the Challenge for his team and looks forward to increasing awareness about this important cause.
“While we play to win on the field, we never lose sight of how lucky we are to be able to do just that. The LaCROSSe Out Cancer Challenge provides our players the opportunity to serve as ambassadors for a cause that is much bigger than them. It teaches our students that each of us has a part to play – on the field and off.”
“Creating a world without pediatric cancer takes all of us,” explained Bonnie Lattimore, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation. “Research takes a lot of funding and progress is limited by a lack of resources. We’re grateful to the caring coaches and players for bringing awareness to the critical necessity of transforming pediatric cancer care by funding more research.”
Due to research advances, overall survival rates have grown by 70 percent in the past 40 years. Still, about 20 percent of kids with pediatric cancer do not survive today and two-thirds of those who do will suffer long-lasting chronic health conditions from their treatment. This can include infertility, hormone disruption, reduced muscle mass and cardiac issues, among others. To address these challenges, the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation invests in research that pushes the boundaries of science and accelerates the development of new treatments and diagnostic tools specifically for children’s and adolescents’ developing bodies.
“There is a direct correlation between the total funding donated to research and the number of innovative ideas that can be tested simultaneously,” Lattimore explained. “Our goal is always to move treatment out of the lab and into improved patient care. That is why money donated to the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation is invested in research within 12 months.”
This year, the men’s lacrosse team is accepting the Challenge in honor of the 47 kids diagnosed each day in the U.S. Following practices this year, the team will complete a full field jog by which we scoop up 47 ground balls. The effort of getting down low and pushing through will resemble those fighting this insidious disease and see them push through. The program will also have representatives at the volleyball home opener on Tuesday, Sept. 17 collecting donations.
The initiative is intended to raise awareness about the urgent need to transform pediatric cancer care by donating to research – no donation is too small, and $50 will fund one hour of research. Donations directly to Adelphi’s fundraising campaign can be donehere.
About the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation
Determined to transform pediatric cancer care via accelerating research breakthroughs, the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation has one goal: to make it possible for all children facing childhood cancer to beat their disease and realize their full potential. Overseen by scientific thought leaders, its rigorous and competitive process for awarding research grants has contributed to pivotal advancements in the areas of non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Immunotherapy/CAR T cells, Osteosarcoma, Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia, and Acute Myeloid Leukemia. The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation is a GuideStar Platinum-rated charity. Its actions and commitment are encapsulated in its inspiring motto: Powering Cures, Realizing Futures. For more information, please visit www.PCRF-kids.org or follow us @PCRF_KIDS.
About Adelphi Athletics
A regionally- and nationally-competitive NCAA Division II institution located in Garden City, N.Y., Adelphi University has been a proud member of the Northeast-10 Conference since 2009.
Winners of 18 NCAA Division II National Championships and five NE10 Presidents’ Cups, Adelphi student-athletes have excelled at the conference, regional and national level, both on the field of play and in the classroom. In turn, the Adelphi University Department of Athletics is committed to fostering an environment of diversity, inclusion, equity and success, where its student-athletes can thrive both on campus and off.
Stay connected with Adelphi Athletics by following the Panthers at AUPanthers.com or via social media on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and wear your Panther pride by shopping for official Adelphi Panthers gear at our licensed team store.
