The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation
http://www.friendsofjaclyn.org/

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Friends of Jaclyn Foundation Adoption Program

in conjunction with College Athletics

            Marissa (11)     Michael (8)          Jaclyn (13)                  Alli (16)

Over 20 children (including those picture above) have been adoption by college athletic programs through the Friends of Jaclyn adoption program.

To inquire about the adoption program, donate to the Foundation, or to

learn more: Please visit www.friendsofjaclyn.org

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2008 ‘Friends of Jaclyn’ Challenge Successful

Two top-ten lacrosse teams unite to benefit the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation in an event that raised over $30,000 for pediatric brain tumor awareness.

March 29, 2008: Chicago, IL - For the second consecutive year, WomensLax.com and Amonte Sports teamed up with the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation to present the Friends of Jaclyn Challenge, a women’s lacrosse contest featuring two of the nation’s top teams that consummates a weekend designed to help foster public awareness of pediatric brain tumors. This year’s game, held at Northwestern’s Lakeside Field, brought together the top-ranked Northwestern Wildcats and their adoptee, Jaclyn Murphy, and fellow top-10 resident Georgetown, and their adoptee, Alli Mendofik.

The Challenge begun with a banquet on Thursday night (March 27) recognizing the work of the Foundation before drawing the following night in an instant classic. The dinner, which was attended by both teams, was an opportunity for followers to be introduced to the two vivacious young women who had been adopted by their respective teams, as well as other members of the community who have served crucial roles in the work of the FOJ Foundation. Attendees also had the opportunity to hear from representatives of other teams who have also adopted young people through the efforts of the Foundation. The adoption program improves the quality of life for both the members of the teams as well as the children afflicted with the challenges.

Emceed by Denis Murphy, Jaclyn’s father, the dinner served as an opportunity for the public to be introduced via video to the nearly two dozen other collegiate athletic teams who have adopted brain tumor survivors and to learn that each person associated with the program has a chance to grow and learn from the adoption experience. Taylor Downs, the captain of the men’s soccer team at Amherst, and head coach Justine Serpone both attended to give the perspective from the Lord Jeffs, while Bayly Buck, a camp counselor who had befriended the Murphys years ago, also presented her thoughts to the attendees. The Foundation presented participation trophies to both Northwestern and Georgetown, recognizing their roles in the progress of the Foundation.

The Foundation also used the banquet as a means to thank the sponsors of the Challenge, especially the Combe Corporation, the presenting sponsor of the 2008 Challenge. On Friday, the snow in Chicago stopped to welcome the 1000 fans that came to Lakeside Field to see the contest. After watching the teams warm up in specially-designed shooting shirts with their respective adoptee’s name emblazoned on the back, fans witnessed a ceremonial draw between Alli and Jaclyn while captains, Georgetown’s Zan Morley and Northwestern’s Christy Finch, stood in support.

The game itself was a back-and-forth affair as the ‘Cats took the opening lead and stretched it out to 2-0 before the Hoyas stormed back with three consecutive goals for a 3-2 lead. After NU tied the game, neither team scored for the remainder of the half. The ‘Cats jumped out to a two-goal lead early in the second half, but the Hoyas were not about to roll over as a goal a minute later cut the deficit to one. Consecutive goals by Northwestern stretched the lead to three with under nine minutes to play, but the Hoyas scored the final two goals of the contest to stay in the hunt. The ‘Cats won the final draw control of the game and retained possession to secure the victory.

The real victory, however, belonged to the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation. The weekend raised over $30,000, with proceeds coming from corporate sponsors, game & banquet ticket revenue, ceremonial t-shirts sales, and donations. Between the game and banquet, well over a thousand people witnessed the power of dedication and commitment, the importance of quality of life, and the impact two teenage girls have had on the sport of lacrosse.

All proceeds from the events will benefit the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, a charitable organization, created and dedicating itself to raise public awareness regarding pediatric brain tumors. Funds will be used to improve the quality of life for children who are diagnosed with pediatric brain cancer. Proceeds will be donated to charities with programs in pediatric patient care, research, and education. To learn more about the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, see www.friendsofjaclyn.org.   

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~Video Archives~

Click to View: CSTV Video from the 2007 Tewaaraton Awards Show

2007 Brain Tumor Awareness Challenge - Video Presentation