The Rutgers University-Newark (RU-N) baseball team joined the fight against Pediatric Cancer, becoming part of the Go4theGoal campaign and the Lace Up 4 Pediatric Cancer initiative that was first seen in 2011.
The Scarlet Raiders kicked off the campaign earlier this month by wearing gold laces in their spikes and will be soliciting donations from fans and members of the RU-N community at home games now through April 2.
"Everyone knows someone who is impacted by cancer, whether it is a loved one, family member, a friend or a co-worker," said Head Baseball Coach Mark Rizzi. "But when a child suffers from this terrible disease, its impact on others is even more devastating. Our players are fortunate to play the game they love. It is important for us to show our support and, in a small way, help improve the lives of children battling cancer by providing financial support. We are very proud and honored to be involved in such a worthy effort."
The Scarlet Raiders (2-3) will play 10 games in California and eight home games in which they will be raising funds and awareness. The effort will culminate with the team's New Jersey Athletic Conference doubleheader against Rowan University on April 2 at Riverfront Stadium.
Go4theGoal offers support for children battling cancer with programming and more including their 'Kart 4 Kids' initiative that has appeared at more than 20 children's hospitals nationwide. Additionally, the foundation offers family support and also offers hospital and research grants.
Mission:
The unwavering mission is to improve the lives of children battling cancer by providing financial support, developing and implementing unique hospital programs, funding innovative research, and granting personal wishes. Through their first hand-experience with pediatric cancer and their medical background, Go4theGoal provides the best practices to patients, their families, and the hospitals and staff that care for them.
The Beginnings:
Go4theGoal was founded in 2006 only weeks after Richard Stefanacci was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. After a yearlong battle, Richard lost his fight with cancer just a few months shy of his 15th birthday.
Though Richard lost his battle, Go4theGoal's determination to continue our mission remained and was only strengthened when his cousin Blake was diagnosed with another rare cancer, Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma, on March 11, 2010. Blake bravely fought her cancer and is now a 4-year survivor enjoying all the normal thrills of being a teenage girl!
Facts:
- 15,000 kids in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer in the next year
- 40,000 families will continue their battle this year and 50 percent of those families will have to battle bankruptcy
Fans can learn more about Go4theGoal at www.go4thegoal.org and those interested in donating should CLICK HERE!
Photo courtesy of Rob Kulish, Rutgers University-Newark Athletics
