Introducing the Rise Up Challenge
HEADstrong Launches 3-Day Stair-Climb Challenge For Families Overcome By Cancer, Sept 28-30th
(PHILADELPHIA) – 3 Days, 127 Flights totaling 1,660 Steps! Are you ready to Rise Up Against Cancer? The HEADstrong Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to improving lives affected by cancer is proud to introduce a new athletic “Team” campaign for the 2020 fall. Whether at a stadium, gymnasium, dormitory or at home, athletes are being tasked with climbing 1,660 steps over the course of 3 days to signify the 1,660 families who lose a loved one each day in the US due to cancer while competing against other teams nationwide. The 3-Day virtual event will begin on Monday, September 28 and run until Wednesday, September 30, 2020.
Teams can REGISTER any time at https://pledge.headstrong.org/RiseUp2020
Rise Up Against Cancer is intended to challenge collegiate teams both physically and mentally while uniting them off the field through fundraising to support families overcome by cancer. This campaign will raise essential funds for those families who are also navigating the turbulence of COVID-19; rigorous treatment often results in patients being immunosuppressed, and living with a pre-existing cancer makes the patient population that we serve at the greatest risk of complications should they contract the virus.
The official fundraising period will begins today, Wednesday, September 9 2020. Players and teams will use the weeks leading up to the kick-off of the campaign to promote their association and drive donations. Proceeds directly support the essential services provided by the HEADstrong Foundation and fund nights of lodging at Nick’s House, a guest residence owned and operated by the HEADstrong Foundation for families displaced in the pursuit of lifesaving cancer treatment and clinical trials.
Since 2007, the HEADstrong Foundation has worked alongside the IMCLA, USILA and NILOA to organize collegiate fall lacrosse scrimmages, in which teams engage in community services efforts to raise funds to advance the charitable mission of the organization. Given new restrictions to the 2020-2021 NCAA athletic calendar pertaining to both in-season & out of season competition as the result of the global pandemic, the HEADstrong Foundation overcame the hurdle and pivoted their traditional fall event series to create a new conditioning workout with a charitable twist around Childhood Cancer & Blood Cancer Awareness Month.
“The pandemic has added a layer of complexity as our immunocompromised patient population is critically at high risk. It’s been unnerving for those with pre-existing health crises,” said Cheryl Colleluori, HF President. “Due to new restrictions many are undergoing treatment in total isolation. A combination of postponed treatments, those who’ve delayed symptoms due to heightened fear and those who’ve been unsuccessful in securing appointments have a very long road ahead. Consequently, many families have been paralyzed due to the economic impact. Simultaneously, there is an overwhelming number of families who have been forced to brave the new threat of COVID-19 in the pursuit of time sensitive, necessary care. We need the support of our lacrosse family now more than ever. Since 2007, HEADstrong has stood with collegiate lacrosse programs and together we’ve played a critical position in the lives of families facing unimaginable circumstances. We are proud to serve as a vital resource to families, especially amidst the current climate and we need everyone’s help so that we can continue to be the difference.”
HEADstrong Foundation (EIN:26-0283021) Nicholas “HEAD” Colleluori founded the HEADstrong Foundation in 2006 while undergoing treatment for non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The organization is committed to serving as a direct resource to families overcome by cancer, offering financial, emotional, logistical and residential support including Nick’s House. Our promise is to uphold, preserve and expand our founders vision and final request that others would benefit from his life and experience through cancer. For more information HEADstrong Foundation or The Rise Up Challenge, please visit our website at www.HEADstrong.org or follow us on social media, @HEADstrongFND.
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