DELAWARE FOOTBALL STAFF MEMBERS HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR RESEARCH
EASTON, Pa. -- Three current members of the University of Delaware football
coaching staff recently took part in the seventh annual Lauren's First and Goal
Camp at Lafayette College.
Blue Hen offensive line coach Damian Wroblewski,
linebackers coach Brad Sherrod, and graduate assistant Drew Nystrom were among
a host of instructors to nearly 1,700 high school football players who attended
the camp on June 6. Also serving as an instructor was former UD graduate
assistant coach and former Hofstra assistant Lyle Hemphill.
The event raised more than $67,000 for Lauren's First and
Goal Foundation for pediatric brain tumor research, cancer services and family
support. For the year, the foundation has received more than $213,000 in
donations, including a $100,000 commitment from the Center for Special Needs
Trust Administration. With the proceeds from the camp, the foundation has
raised more than $1 million since its creation in 2004.
"The success of this camp would not be possible without
the hundreds of volunteers and coaches and the unwavering support of Lafayette
College,"
said John Loose, who created Lauren's First and Goal in
honor of his 13-year-old daughter Lauren, a pediatric brain tumor survivor. "It
is their dedication to this event that allows us to continue funding the search
for a cure and to help families who battle this disease every day."
The Lauren's First and Goal Football Camp welcomed high
school student-athletes from 15 different states and Canada, who received
offensive and defensive instruction from more than 250 volunteer coaches
representing colleges and universities across the nation. In addition, U.S.
Naval Academy head football coach Ken Niumatalolo was the featured guest
speaker and addressed the campers over lunch. Niumatalolo talked about the four
quarters of life and the importance of showing gratitude, making good decisions
and being selfless.
In addition to the Pennsylvania camp, the foundation will
be hosting another one-day event at Otterbein College in Westerville, Ohio on
Sunday, June 27. The camps raise money through a $30 registration fee for each
student-athlete as well as non-camper donations. Of every dollar received, the
foundation donates 90 cents toward research, services, family support and
awareness of pediatric brain tumors and cancer.
More information about the camps and the foundation is
available at www.laurensfirstandgoal.org.