HEADlines

Press Announcement

Stage Set For Nicholas Colleluori Classic Baltimore at Johns Hopkins, 10/9

BALTIMORE, MD – On Sunday, October 9th Johns Hopkins University will host the Nicholas Colleluori Classic Baltimore; a special collegiate men’s lacrosse event honoring the life and legacy of Nick “HEAD” Colleluori. Colleluori was a college lacrosse player entering his sophomore yearwhen he was terminally diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. His public fight from the sidelines at Hofstra University captivated the nation and from his hospital bed he created an organization focused on empowering student-athletes to improve lives affected by the disease. His vision was simple yet critical; helping real families when they needed it most, providing support so that families may live with a greater dignity and normalcy. Colleluori fought to improve the inpatient experience, the affordability and accessibility of care and tackled the general concerns facing the patient population. Understanding the ripple effect and impact that a cancer diagnosis had on a family, Colleluori championed efforts to support caregivers and capital projects to improve accommodations. He built an awareness platform driven by lime green shoelaces, the national awareness color for non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. He empowered his own family and in the last days of his life asked them to pick up the ball where he left off. It’s a promise that the Colleluori family continues to fulfill through the essential programs and services offered by the HEADstrong Foundation, www.HEADstrong.org.

The event is part of HEADstrong’s 9th Annual Fall Event Series and will be the 2nd year that Johns Hopkins University has hosted the event. HEADstrong works closely with the Johns Hopkins men’s lacrosse program through the year and last year expanded their fall event series to include Baltimore in effort to fund their portfolio of services for families receiving care at the Sydney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at the Hospital of Johns Hopkins University.

The NCC Baltimore will take place at legendary Homewood Field and will feature 5 men’s lacrosse programs competing throughout the day. The games will begin at 9:00AM and will conclude with the last game beginning at 3:00PM. Proceeds will support the mission of the HEADstrong Foundation. www.HEADstrong.org.

This year’s lineup includes: Georgetown University, Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, University of Albany and University of Richmond.

The Colleluori family will honor a local family affected by cancer and will present the Nicholas Colleluori Award to member of each participating program for their commitment to leadership, selflessness and community.

In lieu of admission, a suggested donation of $5.00 per person will be asked at the gate. HEADstrong will also have a full offering of supporter-wear on hand with proceeds helping to advance the mission.

“We are looking forward to spending the day with our Baltimore lacrosse family on October 9th. It is an honor and privilege to work alongside of Johns Hopkins Men’s Lacrosse throughout the year and we are grateful for their continued support.This fall will commemorate the 10th anniversary of our Nick’s courageous battle and untimely passing to non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Joining us this year will be 40 of the top college men’s and women’s lacrosse programs and many more who will support the cause from afar. We are fueled by the love and support that we continue to receive. 10 years have gone by in the blink of the eye and we have never been more driven or motivated to share Nick’s legacy with the world. I cling to one of the last things that our Nick said to me, “Mom, this lacrosse community is our family and they will never let us down.” $8.5 million dollars and 13,100 families later, Nick’s vision continues to see new heights. We are so humbled to see the continued support and teams from all over the country finding inspiration in our Nick, our work and who have picked up the ball where he left off. On behalf of the HEADstrong Foundation, the Colleluori family and our founder, Nicholas, we wish to extend our sincere appreciation to all of the teams, supporters and volunteers taking part in part of our fall event series this year.” – Cheryl Colleluori, HEADstrong President and Nick’s Mom

For more information on the HEADstrong Foundation, please visit www.HEADstrong.org or follow on social @HEADstrongFnd.