Saratoga Girls Lax sticks it to cancer with big donation
SARATOGA, NY (NEWS10) -- The Saratoga girls Lacrosse team competed in their "Lacrosse Out Cancer" game against Syracuse's Jamesville Dewitt. Although the Blue Streaks were not victorious in the game, they got another win in the fight against cancer.
The Blue Streaks raised and donated $10,000 to the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, in honor of Olivia Allen. Allen was a student at Saratoga High School who lost her battle with Leukemia.
Blue Streaks head coach Jennifer Furze remembers Allen as a warrior throughout her fight.
"She was brave, and resilient, and positive, and smiled always and never complained," Furze said. "We thought we owed it to her to continue her battle because she was a fierce warrior and she was an inspiration to many athletes."
According to Lacrosse Out Cancer, 47 children are diagnosed each day with cancer in the United States, and only 4% of federal funding is dedicated to lifesaving treatments. Furze and the team joined forces with Bonnie Lattimore who is the Director of Strategic Partnerships for Lacrosse Out Cancer and decided to shed light on Allen's story and others that are enduring their battle.
"They've raised over $10,000 which is absolutely incredible for us," Lattimore said. "Our impact statement is $50 funds one hour of research, so the impact of $10,000 is great and we're just so honored that they chose us to partner with to honor Olivia."
Allen's impact touched many in the Saratoga community and even harder at home. Her little sister Sofia believes her sister is a hero.
"This school and the community has been so great to my family and other families who have been by this terrible disease and it means a lot that our school can come together and make something good out of a crappy situation," said Allen.
If you would like to help in the fight with the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation head over to LacrosseOutCancer.org