By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 10/24/14
Drew Lamela understands what giving really is.
A junior transfer goalie at Chestnut Hill College, Lamela has donated blood 10 times in his life and is hopeful one day he will be able to donate for a patient that needs a bone marrow transplant. His brother, Dan, made headlines in February while a senior at Stockton State when he was discovered to be a match for a patient needing bone marrow and donated his stem cells.
Dan Lamela was recognized two weeks ago at the 8th Annual Nicholas Colleluori Classic at Ridley because it was at the 7th annual event in 2013 that his cheek was swabbed. Drew Lamela, a Brick Township (NJ) graduate, is hoping he also will one day see his donation save a life.
“It would be cool to help out,” said Drew. “Bone marrow matches are rare, but I also donate blood all the time. It’s something our whole family does, I am so glad my brother was able to make a match.”
Blood cancer Awareness is the staple of the HEADstrong Foundation. On Saturday the Foundation will hold the University City Classic at James “Ace” Adams Field behind Franklin Field (three men’s teams) and inside Franklin Field (four women’s teams).
As always, the message is awareness and donating to help save a life.
The UCC™ is a day of philanthropy pairing the elements of fall collegiate scrimmages with a day of service. Emphasis will be placed on providing an outlet for patients and their families while raising funds to support HF’s research effort. Aside from the event the following day HF™ will serve meals and host an art therapy program on three floors of the Rhoads Pavilion of HUP.
“It’s something really special to see how many it’s impacted,” said Drew Lamela of the HEADstrong Foundation and its drive to cure blood cancer. “It’s really special to see that stories that draw out.”
The University City Classic will be played in the shadows of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, where HF™ founder Nicholas Colleluori fought his relentless battle against non-Hodgins Lymphoma. Proceeds from the event will directly support the Nicholas E. Colleluori Lymphoma Research Fund at the Abramson Cancer Center. A $5.00 donation is strongly encouraged for admission.
The event will feature highly anticipated men’s matchups between Drexel University, Johns Hopkins University and the University of Pennsylvania.
This year a women’s component has been added to the event, Penn women’s assistant coach Kerri Whitaker, a Ridley graduate who grew up with the Colleluori family has been instrumental in bringing this new component to life. University of Albany, University of Delaware, University of Pennsylvania and Towson University will each play four games at Franklin Field during the day.
2nd Annual UCC Men’s Schedule – Teams will play 2 games (James “Ace” Adams Field)
Saturday, Oct. 25
11:00AM – Drexel University vs. University of Penn
12:45PM – HEADstrong Presentation
1:00PM – Drexel University vs. Johns Hopkins
3:00PM – Johns Hopkins vs. University of Penn
2nd Annual UCC Women’s Schedule – Teams will play 4 games (Franklin Field)
9:30AM – University of Penn vs. University of Delaware
10:25PM – HEADstrong Presentation
10:40AM – University of Albany vs. Towson University
11:40AM – University of Penn vs. Towson University
12:40PM – University of Delaware vs. University of Albany
1:40PM – University of Delaware vs. Towson University
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