We’re excited to announce that you can now purchase Compete for a Cause gear online, all year long. Plus, we’ve added new products including hoodies, men’s and women’s cut dri-fit and more! Thanks to our partners at Sports Stop, shop the Compete for a Cause shop now and either pick up in store or have it delivered to your door.
With the support of six area communities, a record-setting silent auction, the 2nd annual 5k Fun Run, generous sponsors and more, we are humbled and truly blessed to announce that the Compete for a Cause 2017 campaign raised just over $51,000 in support of childhood cancer research and treatment.
On Saturday, Sept.16, the communities of Haslett, Williamston, Lansing Catholic, Lansing Christian, Mason and Okemos came together to honor those who have been affected by cancer and cheer on their soccer teams at the 6th Annual Compete for a Cause games. Simply an idea six years ago, Compete for a Cause has grown into a Lansing-area event that, with this year’s total, has raised more than $125,000 to help better the lives of children and families in the Lansing area and across the country.
Locally, proceeds have equipped the MSU Pediatric Oncology Clinic with IPads in each patient room, new exam tables, MSU themed pictures, paint, and a “Spartans Will” wall, a gong for patients to ring after completing treatment milestones, bookshelves, a “tree of life” painting, digital frames, stools, and much, much more. Nationally, more than $40,000 has been donated to St. Baldrick’s, the largest provider of grants to fund childhood cancer research.
The realities of childhood cancer are daunting. Worldwide, 300,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year. In the U.S., more children die of childhood cancer than any other disease – more than AIDS, asthma, cystic fibrosis, congenital anomalies and diabetes combined. Less than 4% of the National Cancer Institute’s budget is solely dedicated to childhood cancer research. And although many adult cancers can be diagnosed early, 80% of children diagnosed have already had their cancer spread to other areas of the body.
Statistics like these inspire us to continue our efforts next year, and for years to come, to raise awareness and the vital funds to help our kids fight this awful disease. Check back often to learn more as we plan for 2018.
In addition to filling the stands as a show of support, your 2017 Compete for a Cause t-shirt grants you access to the soccer games for free. Order yours today!
This year brought in the Haslett and Williamston communities through satellite games, a Mason volleyball invitational, a Mason home football game against DeWitt, and our first annual 5k. Capping the week’s activities was a truly amazing evening of Okemos vs. Mason soccer with an estimated crowd of 2,000. Over 1,000 t-shirts were sold, filling the stadium with gold ribbon awareness and in the weeks since we’ve spotted them throughout our communities, continuing to spread our message.
Along with your donation, we were able to raise $37,000 to support the fight against childhood cancer! St. Baldrick’s Foundation (nationally) and the MSU Pediatric Oncology Clinic (locally) will receive the proceeds from this year’s events.
Childhood cancer statistics are startling:
Before the age of 20, approximately 1 of every 285 children in the United States will have cancer.
Unfortunately with statistics like these, it is inevitable that more children in our community will be affected by cancer. Your support will help these children, the families of these children, as well as fund research to improve treatments and cures.
Our communities have come together and shown us tremendous support, inspiring Compete for a Cause to continue our efforts next year, and for years to come, to raise awareness and the vital funds to help our kids and our communities fight this awful disease.
Sincerely,
The Compete for a Cause Planning Committee
Donna D’Angelo, Lisa Dippel, Pamela Duren & Kevin Gunns
The 5th Annual Compete for a Cause was an amazing success and we wish to thank everyone who sponsored, donated, volunteered, or attended this year’s events.
We’ll announce the results of our efforts to fight childhood cancer, highlight game results and share photos from all the activities in the coming weeks.
Stay tuned as we start now to plan for Compete for a Cause 2017!
The 5th Annual Compete for a Cause game will be held on Sept. 17.
This year we’re lining up a whole week’s worth of events, however, starting with a ceremonial start in Mason on Saturday, Sept. 10.
The Mason volleyball team has a huge invitational on the 10th in Mason, a home football game on the 16th against Dewitt, and we plan to have a 5k and other run-related events on the morning of the 17th.
Watch for more information as events are added to the schedule.
