8th Annual Nicholas Colleluori Women’s Classic Helps Raise $40,000

By Stephen Gorchov

Hempstead, NY – The Hofstra Women’s Lacrosse program hosted the eighth annual Nicholas Colleluori Women’s Classic on Saturday, September 26 on the campus of Hofstra University.

This year alone the classic, held in conjunction with the HEADstrong Foundation, raised $40,000 dollars and in its eight years of existence the hugely-successful tournament has raised more than $300,000 to help improve the quality of life for those affected by blood cancers.

“It is an honor and privilege to host the annual Nicholas Colleluori Women’s Classic at Hofstra each year,” commented Hofstra Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach Shannon Smith. “The HEADstrong Foundation is near and dear to our hearts at Hofstra and we love supporting their mission. Thanks to all who came out for the tournament and those that continue to support the HEADstrong Foundation.”

The 15-team tournament took place at James M. Shuart Stadium and the surrounding fields.

The teams that participated included: Hofstra, Stony Brook, Wagner, Binghamton, Le Moyne, LIU Post, NYAC, HEADstrong, Iona, Manhattan, UMass Lowell, LIU Brooklyn, Central Connecticut State and Adelphi.

Event Photo Gallery 

HEADstrong founder, Nick Colleluori, was a member of the Pride lacrosse team from 2004 to 2006 and graduated from Ridley High School (PA) in 2004. Nick may have lost his battle with blood cancer on November 28, 2006, but his vision has just begun.

About HEADstrong Foundation

The HEADstrong Foundation™ is a 501(c)(3) committed to improving the quality of life for cancer patients and their families through providing essential programs and services.

HEADstrong™ is an athletic rooted organization that serves the cancer community by granting direct financial assistance to those financially impacted as a result of the disease, by providing complimentary long-term housing and amenities for those traveling to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for cancer related treatments through Nick’s House™, by funding innovative cancer research through the Nicholas E. Colleluori Lymphoma research fund, by serving family meals and offering outlets of entertainment, by providing fresh groceries to patients being discharged from lengthy hospital stays, by delivering comfort kits to newly hospitalized patients preparing for treatment or transplant, and by lending an arm of support through their peer to peer advocacy group.

The blueprints for the Foundation were conceptualized by Nicholas “HEAD” Colleluori in 2006, from his hospital bed while he underwent treatment for non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, which ultimately claimed his life.  Today, Nick’s vision is being fulfilled through the relentless efforts of his family, athletes and supporters across the country uniting in the fight against cancers.

For more information on the HEADstrong Foundation™ and how you can make a difference go to www.HEADstrong.org.