By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 11/28/10
Thirty-six scholastic girls’ teams participated recently in the Drexel Dragons 4×4 Fall Classic, a tourney that raised $5,000, mostly for the Maggie Medvitz Education Fund.
The Maggie Medvitz Fund was created in honor of the Dragons’ adopted sister, who passed away at the age of 2 and a half years on Oct. 14, 2009, after fighting a brain tumor.
The Dragons adopted Maggie through the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation in July of 2009, a month after she was diagnosed with brain cancer. After four months of chemotherapy and intense radiation, the beautiful two and a half year old found eternal rest.
The team members ran the tourney to create a scholarship for a youngster to attend St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Downingtown, the school Maggie would have attended.
“Maggie has had a profound impact on each of our lives,” said Drexel senior goalie Whitney Johnson. “Since July 2009, when we were introduced to her and her family, each player on the Drexel Women’s Lacrosse team has been deeply affected.”
Bishop Shanahan won the Pool 2 title, while the Baby Dragons claimed the Pool 1 crown.
Johnson said her team has adopted the entire Medvitz family as an inspiration and source of motivation.
“Maggie’s family is now part of our Drexel Women’s Lacrosse family, and she has strengthened the bond between our players,” Johnson said. “We find ourselves doing more as a team because we have learned to value each day, because each day we spend with our family and friends is a gift we have that Maggie does not have.
“We play each game for Maggie, and in so doing, keep her alive in our hearts.
After going to the hospital and seeing her deepest struggles with chemotherapy and radiation, our team learned the true meaning of strength.”
At the tournament, Friends of Jaclyn Founder Dennis Murphy, and Maggie’s father spoke to the teams about the impact of the program.
“This two year old girl had endured more physical trauma than any other person we know,” Johnson said. “She brings us strength when we’re tired, focus at the end of the game, or speed to push us through a tough day of sprints.
“These challenges truly seem trivial compared to what Maggie endured. So when we do a cheer for Maggie before the game, we are just reminding ourselves why we are here and that we have a greater purpose to be on the field.”
“Everyone at the tournament was moved by their stories and the courage displayed by both families,” added Drexel assistant coach Maeve McKew. “It was very a touching moment and a highlight of the day for all.”
Watch this video on the Friends of Jaclyn foundation:
http://www.friendsofjaclyn.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10:hbo-sports-segment&catid=11
This is Maggie’s Site and her story!
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/maggiemedvitz
