HEADstrong LC of PA Donates $10K Toward HF Mission

Playing With A Purpose; HEADstrong LC of PA Donates $10K Toward HF Mission

Holmes, PA – On Thursday November 14th the HEADstrong Lacrosse Club of Pennsylvania proudly presented a check for $10,000 to their parent organization the HEADstrong Foundation™. The contribution to the Foundation comes just weeks prior to the 7th anniversary of the passing of HF founder Nicholas “HEAD” Colleluori. The funds raised will be instrumental in supporting essential programs and services provided by the HEADstrong Foundation™ to improve quality of life for patients and families affected by the disease. A combination of individual fundraising efforts and tryout fees from HLCPA this fall helped contribute to the donation amount.

The HEADstrong Lacrosse Club is a direct support arm to the HEADstrong Foundation™. Their efforts go far beyond advocating for the cause on the playing field. Players are actively involved in their communities helping to raise awareness and funds to support the cause. They are engaged in different service based activities throughout the year including volunteering at HF™ fundraisers, camps, clinics and staffing their awareness booths at area events. They participate in the Light The Night Walk™ supporting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society as HF™ is a national partner of the organization. And they are involved with service projects like packing comfort kits for patients and families, assisting local hospice centers and helping to prepare meals through the HEADtable program.

HF™ founder Nicholas Colleluori believed that the best way to rally support for the cause was through players and teams. Colleluori wanted to use his experience through cancer as a way to inspire and empower athletes and envisioned teams throughout the country serving their communities and the Foundation’s mission.

Since the inception of the first team in 2006, the HEADstrong Lacrosse Club of PA has grown to over 10 boys and girls teams ranging from U13 to U17 with 95% of players transitioning to play at the collegiate level. Additionally, HEADstrong LC has expanded into other parts of the country. HLC identifies, recruits, trains, teaches and coaches players capable of, but more importantly committed to playing the sport of lacrosse at its highest level. Both players and coaches serve as ambassadors for the sport, always ready to pass along knowledge that they have learned from their experience. They are committed to generating funds for players who through illness are no longer able to join them on the field. The actions taken in attaining these goals are consistent with the highest levels of citizenship, sportsmanship and fair play. The goal of Team HEADstrong is to promote excellence within the game and create an unparalleled experience, sharing the importance of family, brotherhood and service within the sport of lacrosse.

“It is days like today that we can all take a step back from lacrosse and realize that we have directly made a difference in the lives of those affected by this awful disease. On behalf of the HEADstrong Lacrosse Club of PA we are proud to make a contribution of $10,000 to support the relentless efforts of the HEADstrong Foundation™. I personally have been inspired by their tireless work and I have witnessed the dedication and compassion that this organization has for cancer patients and families across the country. It is truly a pleasure to lead our lacrosse club and help the HEADstrong Foundation fulfill their mission. We are instilling character and values into our players preaching the importance of being a student of the game and buying into being part of something much larger than ourselves. We are successful because of the commitment, dedication and generosity of our amazing players and their families.” – Brian Neary, HLCPA General Manager

“Words cannot begin to describe how thankful and proud we are of the HEADstrong Lacrosse Club of PA. We take great pride in knowing that Nick’s life continues to inspire so many young athletes. Despite the hardships that we have encountered as the result of cancer, the sport continues to be a constant positive in our lives. Seeing our players have success on and off the playing field brings us so much joy. Through HLC we have fostered relationships with so many amazing families and we are very grateful for their continued support. We wish to thank all the coaches, players, supporters and families who make the HLCPA so special. Today is victory against cancer because of the HEADstrong Lacrosse Club.” – Cheryl Colleluori, HEADstrong President and Nick’s Mom

For more information on the HEADstrong Lacrosse Club go to www.HEADstronglax.org

For more information on the HEADstrong Foundation™ go to www.HEADstrong.org

Please be sure to like us on Facebook.com/HEADstrongFoundation and follow us on Twitter @HEADstrongFND.

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