Stage Set For Nicholas Colleluori Classic Long Island at Hofstra, 10/14

For Immediate Release
Contact: Pat Colleluori
Phone: 610-461-5987
Email: [email protected]

 

Stage Set For Nicholas Colleluori Classic Long Island at Hofstra, 10/14

 

HEMPSTEAD, NY – On Saturday, October 14th, 5 NCAA men’s lacrosse teams including Bucknell University, Hofstra University, Lehigh University, Penn State University and University of Hartford will meet at James M. Shuart Stadium on the campus of Hofstra University to participate in the 11th Annual Nicholas Colleluori Classic to support the HEADstrong Foundation.  Since 2007, the HEADstrong Foundation has presented a series of fall collegiate men’s and women’s lacrosse events with philanthropy at their roots.  Originating at Ridley High School, Nick Colleluori’s high school alma mater, in recent years the event series has grown to 9 events that are hosted regionally and in conjunction with collegiate partnerships.

Nicholas Colleluori was a college lacrosse player entering his sophomore year, when 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 games will begin at 9:00AM and will conclude with the last game beginning at 3:00PM.  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.

 

Nicholas Colleluori Classic Long Island Event Schedule at Hofstra University

9:00AM                Hofstra University vs. Bucknell University

10:30AM              Bucknell University vs. University of Hartford

12:00PM              Penn State University vs. Lehigh University

1:15PM                 HEADstrong Presentation

1:40PM                 Lehigh University vs. University of Hartford

3:00PM                 Hofstra University vs. Penn State University

 

In addition to an amazing day of fall lacrosse action, members of the Colleluori family will honor a local families affected by cancer and will present the Nicholas Colleluori Award to member of each participating program for their commitment to leadership, selflessness and community.

“Our Nick once said, “When I am back at Hofstra and able to attend practices and games, it’s like all that I have been going through doesn’t matter, because when I’m on the field, things are normal and I don’t have cancer.”   It is an honor and privilege to return to Nick’s beloved alma mater each year to host this very special event supporting his vision.  We are truly grateful to Hofstra University and all of our participating teams for their continued love and support.  This year’s 5 participating teams represent the 5 essential services including: the Nicholas E. Colleluori Financial Grant, our HEADtable program, our HEAD-to-HEAD program, the Nicholas E.  Colleluori Lymphoma Research Fund and most importantly Nick’s House.  The proceeds raised through this special event will allow us to strengthen our commitment to improving lives affected by cancer.  To date, we as a lacrosse community have raised more than $10.5 million dollars which has assisted more than 14,000 families to navigate their cancer journey with greater clarity, dignity and normalcy.  On behalf of the HEADstrong Foundation, those we humbly serve, 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.

 

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