As I have spent more and more time around field hockey and sports, I have learned that there is so much more to play for than just ourselves or our own results. Sports are one of the premier ways that athletes of all ages can develop a name and platform that influences others.
One of my main goals in taking a medical gap year is to use the time to heal and recover physically but also invest my time in something meaningful to me, providing me with the chance to learn and grow, and meaningful to others, making a positive impact in their lives. Outside of coaching and working with Longstreth, I have another internship with an organization called the HEADstrong Foundation that has allowed me to pursue this goal.
The HEADstrong Foundation is a nonprofit, headquartered in Pennsylvania but growing on the national scale, with a mission to improve lives impacted by cancer. The organization was founded by the late Nick Colleluori, a freshman on the Hofstra University men’s lacrosse team when he was diagnosed with Diffuse Large B-Cell non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and later given three months to live. True to his fighting spirit, Nick battled cancer for fourteen months. His vision with the HEADstrong Foundation was to create ways to help others dealing with cancer by sharing his own experiences and engaging with his community. Nick’s family has honored his wish to continue the work he started and since its inception in 2007, the HEADstrong Foundation has assisted 22,867 families and raised $24,000,000.
Today, the HEADstrong Foundation has many initiatives to assist cancer-affected families financially, residentially, and emotionally and a staff committed to continuing this mission. As an intern, I am grateful to not only have been given the chance to learn more about the inner workings of the nonprofit but to also attend a Gala, 5k, and Golf Outing. The HEADstrong Foundation does so much community engagement and hosts a variety of events, which are perfect ways for anyone to volunteer time or support the organization.
Beyond that, founded by a student-athlete, the foundation relies heavily on youth, middle school, high school, and collegiate athletes to spread awareness for the cancer charity. The HEADstrong Foundation recognizes just how essential sports are to creating supportive communities. Attack Cancer is a unique campaign created by HEADstrong that gives athletes the chance to pledge their performance, using their platform, and playing the sport they love for a cause greater than themselves, raising funds and creating awareness. This is an incredible way to boost your resume and get others involved in the foundation’s mission to improve lives affected by cancer.
In working with HEADstrong for just about a month, I have seen firsthand how important the work that is done is to so many families and just how much each person involved truly cares about those that are being served through the organization’s work. HEADstrong and its mission address difficult realities in society but ultimately appreciate the importance of involvement and doing anything possible in service of others.
Check out HEADstrong.org for more information and feel free to reach out to me at smilone@headstrong.org with any questions about involvement!