THE HUDDLE

Welcome to the 2024 Fall 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 CALLIE!

This remarkable little girl recently turned five years old. Callie is battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Callie was diagnosed with ALL on February 20, 2023. She has been undergoing aggressive treatments since her diagnosis. Callie is expected to complete treatment on May 1, 2025. Callie's family shared, "She has taken every obstacle with bravery, strength, and positivity! She is our princess warrior." Callie plans to start playing soccer this fall.

MEET JETT!

This courageous little boy is four years old. Jett is battling B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Jett's journey began when his parents started to notice a behavior change along with a persistent high fever. He went from a happy and bubbly little boy to a boy who clearly did not feel well. His parents took him to the doctor where they ran blood tests. He was then transported by ambulance to Children's Hospital of Orange County where he underwent additional blood work along with a bone marrow test, which ultimately led to his diagnosis of ALL. Jet is currently in the maintenance phase of treatment. He still has over a year and a half of treatment ahead of him.

Jett's family shared, "Jett is an amazing little guy. He lights up the room and brings laughter to so many people. He has rocked his treatment so far and is the strongest little boy we know!"

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

On August 24th, local gym NBS Fitness hosted their 3rd annual "Deadlifts for Charity" event to benefit the teammates of the Cancer Kickers Soccer Club. With dozens of participants of all ages, the contest required each person to complete as many deadlifts as possible within a two-minute timeframe. Friends and family came out to support those that participated and stayed to enjoy good food and fellowship in honor of kids with cancer. We here at Cancer Kickers are so honored to be the recipient of this unique event and are so thankful for the strength and generosity the NBS Fitness community has demonstrated for the past three years.

Also in August was the 3rd annual Cancer Kickers Night at the University of Memphis Men's Soccer game. Cancer Kickers teammates announced the starting lineup for our Memphis Tigers during their game against the Evansville Aces and entry was free to all. It was a great night with some fantastic soccer, all to support the Cancer Kickers Soccer Club. Despite dominating on corner kicks and putting six of their fourteen shots on target, the Tigers couldn't pull out a win against the Aces. But when it's all for the kids, it's still a win in our books! Go Tigers!

NOTABLE AND NEWSWORTHY

In honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, 901 FC has joined the Cancer Kickers in "going gold"! On September 14th, the 901 FC went head-to-head against North Carolina FC for an exciting match complete with some amazing soccer and raised awareness for childhood cancer. Cancer Kickers teammates announced the starting lineup for the game, scored the first goal of the game, and even participated in the smashing of the guitar to commence the game. Cancer Kickers teammates helped cheer on the 901 FC and a percentage of jersey sales was given back to the Cancer Kickers Soccer Club in their honor. We were proud to partner with the 901 FC on such an important occasion and hope that it helped to bring additional attention to childhood cancer.

NOTE FROM OUR FOUNDERS

In honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we'd like to thank each and every one of you for making the Cancer Kickers Soccer Club what it is. Whether you are one of our brave teammates who keeps up the fight, a family member or friend who encourages a loved one to persevere, a volunteer who helps put smiles on kids' faces with handwritten comfort cards, or a donor who ensures that we can continue to provide comfort, community, and connections to kids with cancer, we thank you. We ask that you "go gold" with us by helping to spread awareness for pediatric cancer in the hope that someday soon we can eradicate this terrible disease that affects so many. Thank you for helping us to kick cancer to the curb!