Fondy football turns grief into support for local cancer care Oct. 2
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FOND DU LAC – Fond du Lac football players will use an upcoming varsity game to honor people affected by cancer while raising money for local cancer care.
The Fond du Lac Cardinals will host Neenah at 7 p.m. Oct. 2 at National Exchange Bank Field for "Tackle Cancer Together" Night, according to a community announcement. The event is intended to recognize people who have lost loved ones to cancer, support those currently facing the disease and raise awareness throughout the community.
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The idea came from Fond du Lac High School junior football player Justin Kraus, who said cancer has affected members of his own family and many of his teammates.
Kraus said the recent loss of Fondy senior Brenna Slavik also highlighted how many students carry personal experiences with cancer and grief. Brenna's younger brother, freshman Kaden Slavik, is a member of the football team.
“We’re more than just a football team. We’re a group that cares about causes, and this is just one example of the challenges faced by my teammates that people aren’t always aware of,” Kraus said. “There are many of us dealing with heavy topics in our personal lives that can make a kid grow up pretty fast.”
Recognition planned before kickoff
Fans entering the stadium will receive battery-operated candles and colored stickers representing 10 types of cancer.
Before the national anthem, organizers plan to share a statement and hold a moment of reflection in honor of people whose lives have been touched by cancer.
Players also will participate by wearing sleeves or socks in colors associated with the type of cancer that has affected them or someone close to them.
Marty Ryan, president of the Fondy Cardinal Quarterback Club, said Kraus transformed personal experiences into an effort to help others.
“We find the effort and initiative that Justin has brought to us to be a worthy cause, and we find his dedication very admirable for such a young man,” Ryan said. “The truth is, many kids his age are faced with friends or family members battling cancer, and we are proud to join him in his efforts to bring awareness to this cause.”
Donations will support local cancer care
Community members will be able to contribute financially during the game.
Members of the Cardinals' seventh-, eighth- and freshman-level football teams will collect donations after the first and third quarters. All money raised will be donated to the SSM Health Cancer Center in Fond du Lac.
People who cannot attend the game may also donate through Venmo at FondyQBClub.
The event is being organized by the Fondy Cardinal Quarterback Club with financial support from Aquatic Biologists and the Fondy Cardinal Quarterback Club, according to the announcement.
While the Cardinals will be focused on the game against Neenah, Kraus said he hopes the event reminds people that many of life's toughest struggles happen away from the field.
This story was produced by reporter Nida Tazeen, [email protected], with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on Fond du Lac Reporter: Fondy football turns grief into support for local cancer care Oct. 2