THE HUDDLE

Welcome to the 2026 spring edition of our newsletter, “The Huddle”, which we hope will be

a helpful source of news and information for our teammates, donors, volunteers, and friends.

To keep everyone in on the game plan, we encourage you to sign up on our website to

continue to receive this newsletter quarterly.

MEET CILLIAN!

This fearless young man is 10 years old. Cillian is battling T-Cell Leukemia.

Cillian becomes part of the Cancer Kickers team from Cork, Ireland. He was diagnosed with Leukemia in July 2025, the week of his tenth birthday. Cillian is currently in the delayed intensification phase of treatment and is hopeful that he will enter the maintenance phase this upcoming May. He is counting down the days until maintenance when he will once again be able to rejoin his soccer team.

Cillian shared with us that his favorite soccer team is West Ham. He and his two brothers are huge supporters! They are also holding out hope that Ireland will qualify for the World Cup this year. Cillian’s parents shared with us, “We are so very proud of him. He faces every treatment with positivity and never complains.”

MEET CALLAWAY!

This happy-go-lucky four-year-old is bravely battling B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Callaway’s cancer was discovered after she ran a fever while being treated for a double ear infection. When her symptoms didn’t improve, her parents took her to Cook Children’s ER, where she was admitted. She received blood and platelet transfusions to raise her dangerously low numbers. After a small procedure, it was determined that Callaway has Leukemia, and she is now in the midst of a two-and-a-half-year treatment journey.

NOTEABLE AND NEWSWORTHY

We are honored to share an update on a longtime member of the Cancer Kickers team, Rhys. An 18-year-old cancer survivor, endurance athlete, and true inspiration.

When Rhys was just 18 months old, he was diagnosed with AML and underwent 5 months of intensive chemotherapy. Today, he’s living a happy and healthy life, giving back to his community in Sydney, Australia in incredible ways.

This past October, Rhys completed the Hawkesbury Classic, a 111km kayaking ultramarathon down the Hawkesbury River. Starting at 4:00pm and finishing at 6:30am, Rhys paddled for 14.5 hours straight, pushing through the night to the finish line.

Not only did he finish the race, but he also raised $1,400 for Arrow Foundation, supporting stem cell research and families affected by cancer. And yes, during the cold overnight hours, Rhys stayed warm in his Cancer Kickers hoodie.

One thing we especially love is the connection between Rhys’ fundraiser and ours. While Cancer Kickers’ largest annual fundraiser is an ultra running marathon, Rhys chose an ultra endurance paddle. Different formats, but the same heart and same purpose. There’s something incredibly powerful about pushing physical limits to create positive change.

Rhys, we’re so proud of you. Thank you for representing resilience, gratitude, and the Cancer Kickers community so beautifully.

Once a fighter, always a fighter!

On Saturday, March 21, 2026, we came together for the 9th Annual Big Buffalo 50, and it was a day to remember from start to finish! With clear skies, warm sunshine, and an incredible turnout, the entire park was filled with energy, excitement, and a shared sense of purpose.

From the first steps on the course to the final finish line moments, 350 runners pushed their limits while being cheered on by an amazing crowd of supporters. The event felt bigger than a race. It was a full-day experience, with great food, lively gathering spaces, and a strong sense of community that could be felt in every corner.

This event simply wouldn’t be possible without the people behind it. We are so thankful for our runners, volunteers, vendors, and the team at Start2Finish for helping everything run seamlessly.

What matters most is the impact. Because of the support and generosity surrounding this event, we are able to continue our mission at Cancer Kickers Soccer Club, providing meaningful programs, connection, and support to kids and families around the world navigating cancer.

To everyone who participated, donated, volunteered, or showed up to cheer, thank you for being part of something bigger. As we close out year nine, we’re already looking forward to an exciting milestone ahead.

Year ten, here we come!

We’re proud to share a truly meaningful milestone for Cancer Kickers, our new book, We Never Kick Alone. This project has been a labor of love, inspired by the very heart of our mission: bringing comfort, community, and connection to every child we serve.

What began in 2017 as a simple calling has grown into a global movement built on compassion and hope. We Never Kick Alone reflects that journey through the story of Max, a brave 10-year-old who discovers he’s not alone in his fight. Like every Cancer Kickers teammate, Max is surrounded by a team that lifts him up, reminding him, and all of our kids, that they never have to face cancer on their own.

Over the past several months, we’ve been busy mailing copies of this special book to all of our teammates. If you haven’t received yours yet, keep an eye on your mailbox, every teammate will be getting one!

We are so excited to finally place this story into your hands. More than just a book, We Never Kick Alone is a reflection of who we are: a team, a family, and a community that stands together—always.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

This spring, our office has been buzzing with energy as we’ve had the privilege of welcoming several incredible teams who have generously given their time to serve alongside us!

We were honored to host the St. George’s High School Varsity Boys Soccer team, as well as multiple visits from the University of Memphis Men’s Soccer team and the Christian Brothers University Women’s Soccer team. Each group brought enthusiasm, teamwork, and a genuine heart for serving others that made a meaningful impact on our space and our mission.

During their time with us, these student-athletes jumped right in, helping create heartfelt comfort cards and building boxes for the families we serve. They also took time to learn more about our mission to bring hope and joy to families affected by childhood cancer. Their willingness to serve and engage so thoughtfully was both encouraging and inspiring.

We are incredibly grateful for these teams and the way they used their talents and time to give back. Their example is a powerful reminder of what it looks like to show up for your community with compassion, humility, and purpose. Thank you for being such an important part of the Cancer Kickers family this spring!

NOTE FROM OUR FOUNDERS

As spring arrives, it brings a sense of renewal, hope, and new beginnings. At Cancer Kickers, we are continually inspired by the strength and spirit of the children and families we serve. Their resilience in the face of adversity, and their ability to find moments of joy, connection, and courage reminds us why this work matters so deeply.

At the heart of our work is connection. We strive to create spaces where children can be themselves, families can lean on one another, and support feels consistent and genuine. It is your compassion and dedication that make this sense of community possible and allow it to grow stronger each day.

What we offer is more than programming, it is a sense of belonging. A place where kids feel understood, where families draw strength from shared experiences, and where no one has to face their journey alone. Your support is what transforms these moments into lasting impact.

As we move through this season, we remain focused on expanding that impact, reaching more families, strengthening our support, and continuing to build an environment rooted in care, understanding, and hope. There is so much ahead, and we are excited for what we will continue to create together.

Thank you for standing with us and for being such an important part of the Cancer Kickers community.