PISCATAWAY, N.J. – More children die from cancer in the United States than any other disease. Rutgers University baseball has teamed up once again with the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation's Vs. Cancer program to change this. Throughout the season, the team has been raising awareness and funds for local kids with cancer, and they will celebrated their efforts on Friday, May 10 during their home game against Northwestern.
"I'm proud of the way the team has taken to this initiative," head coach
Joe Litterio said. "Vs. Cancer is a great organization and we are happy to partner again this year. Being part of Rutgers baseball is more than just the games on the field. We also stress the importance of academics and serving the community. The players have done a great job and we look forward to passing along the funds raised towards this cause."
Rutgers has been involved with Vs. Cancer since 2013 and raised over $47,000 through the years. This season the Scarlet Knights have totaled $4,100 so far. In partnership with Vs. Cancer, the team has selected the art therapy program at Bristol-Myers Squibb Children's Hospital at RWJ University Hospital to receive a portion of the funds raised this year.
Started by pediatric brain cancer survivor and former collegiate baseball player Chase Jones, Vs. Cancer empowers any sports team, any athlete, and any community to help kids with cancer. As a signature fundraising campaign of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, Vs. Cancer proceeds help fund child life programs in local hospitals and groundbreaking research to cure pediatric brain tumors, the deadliest childhood cancer.
Tom Carmean, director of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation's Northeast region, understands how vital these athletes are to the nonprofit's mission.
"We applaud the efforts and generous spirit of the Rutgers baseball team! Vs. Cancer wasn't just built by athletes for athletes. We were started by a pediatric brain cancer survivor, and we see every day how important family support and research are for children to thrive. With the support of this incredible team, we're fighting for healthier, happier futures for these kids!"
Visit
https://team.curethekids.org/rutgersbaseballvscancer2019 to learn more about the team's fundraising efforts.
About the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation
As the world's leading nonprofit dedicated to children and teens with brain tumors, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation's mission is to care for families along their journey, cure all childhood brain tumors, and help survivors and families thrive. In 2016 the Vs. Cancer Foundation merged with the PBTF and now is a signature fundraising campaign of the nonprofit. Since 1991, the PBTF has funded more than $30 million in research to increase survivorship, improve quality of life, and ultimately eliminate pediatric brain tumors. We also provide emotional support, information, resource referrals, and other free services to families, including emergency financial assistance, peer support, and college and vocational scholarships. In addition to Vs. Cancer, the PBTF hosts Ride for Kids and Starry Night. Call 800-253-6530 or visit www.curethekids.org/mission to join us in our mission to Care. Cure. Thrive.
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