General | December 27, 2016

Story Written By Allison Waddington, '16

Members of La Salle's athletic department and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee joined the HOPE Squad for the second year in a row by partnering with Bringing Hope Home, a local non-profit organization that provides "unexpected amazingness" to families affected by cancer through financial and emotional support.

The Explorers adopted a family of four from Bringing Hope Home's Adopt-A-Family Program, which included 9-year-old Cameron, who has been undergoing de-bulking surgeries and regimes of chemotherapy ever since he was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2007. Times have been hard and money has been short for Cameron's family, as he is currently in and out of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) every two weeks getting chemotherapy.

Student-athletes were determined to ease some of this hardship, spending three weeks raising money for the department's adopted family, which also includes Cameron's mom, Candi, and his two brothers Brandon, 12, and Jordan, 4. Funds were raised by selling t-shirts, manning donation tables and selling raffle tickets for a chance to take a half-court shot at La Salle's Hoops for Hope men's basketball game. Through these efforts, our athletes were able to raise enough money to not only fulfill our family's wish list, but also help pay some of the family's household bills and travel expenses to and from CHOP.

A gift wrapping party was hosted by SAAC once all gifts for the family were purchased. Student-athletes enjoyed each other's company as they wrapped gifts and got into the holiday spirit with Christmas music and treats provided by Dunkin Donuts. A group of seven student-athletes brought this holiday spirit with them as they spent their Saturday before finals delivering the gifts to Cameron and his family.

"It was a great experience to bring hope home. Not only was it a great feeling to see Cameron smile and have fun, but it was also a great feeling to see Cameron's mom and brothers be affected by our visit," stated Jake Fabel, a junior on the men's crew team.

Although it took some time for Cameron to warm up during the visit, Jake, along with six softball players, were able to lift Cameron's spirits by playing in the leaves with him and his brothers, and kicking a soccer ball around the backyard. Candi stood back with a smile on her face as she watched her boys laugh and play.

"I wish there was something we could do for you guys," Candi mentioned to our athletes as they were getting ready to leave. Knowing that their adopted family of four would have presents under the tree to open on Christmas morning was certainly more than enough for our athletes.

Senior crew member and SAAC President, Amanda Ryan, reflected on the experience saying, "As student athletes, it's very important for us to give back. We are extremely privileged to have the opportunity to come to college and play sports at the collegiate level, and it's important for us to give back to those in need during the process. The experience, as a whole, was amazing and SAAC is extremely proud to have taken part in bringing hope home again this year."