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FRIENDS OF JACLYN
ABOUT FRIENDS OF JACLYN
The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life of children battling pediatric brain tumors. To do this, FOJ pairs up children and their families fighting pediatric brain tumors with college and high school sports teams. The teams give these kids love, support and friendship as they battle this devastating disease.
The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation (FoJ) is a magical story about a 9-year-old girl, a start-up Division I women’s lacrosse team, and a big dream. In 2004, 9-year-old Jaclyn Murphy was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma, a malignant brain tumor.
In 2005, through chance of events, Jaclyn became connected to and later adopted as an honorary member of the Northwestern Women’s lacrosse team. Jaclyn’s strength, courage, relentless spirit and joy for life inspired the players.
The team began to play for Jaclyn and achieved a magical “perfect season”, winning Northwestern’s first NCAA national championship in 64 years. Just three years after the program started, Jaclyn even predicted the final score, 13-10, in the championship final. Jaclyn inspired the team to go on to win 7 consecutive Division I NCAA national titles.
Soon after Jaclyn shared a big dream with her father - she wanted other children with pediatric brain tumors to have the similar experiences of being an honorary team member. The Murphys understood that it is ultimately the love, support and friendship of others that give people the inspiration and courage to get through this challenging journey.
Click the link below to learn more.
About Pack the Stands
The Summit Women’s Lacrosse Association and Boosters are having a PACK THE STANDS event on Saturday, May 2nd to support the Summit High School Girls’ Lacrosse Team. The Varsity game will be played at Upper High School field at 12pm against Good Counsel.
As part of PACK THE STANDS this year, the SHS Girls Varsity Team has also chosen to bring awareness and fundraise for the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation.
Denis Murphy, Jaclyn’s father and founder of Friends of Jaclyn, will be at the PACK THE STANDS game to thank the Summit HS Girls’ Team for having a FOJ awareness event. Also attending will be the Kean University Women’s Lacrosse Team along with Greyson and her family, a young girl who the Kean Women’s Lacrosse Team has adopted through Friends of Jaclyn. At the game, raffle chances will be available to purchase to players who want a chance to participate in a half-time lacrosse competition where the winner will receive an Alex & Ani bracelet with the Friends of Jaclyn charm. Rubber FOJ bracelets will also be available for fans to support Friends of Jaclyn.
As in years past, PACK THE STANDS T-shirts will also be available to purchase. Proceeds will benefit both the Summit Women’s Lacrosse Association and Friends of Jaclyn Foundation.