Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 3/10/15
From Press Release
Jackie Neary, Cabrini’s field hockey and women’s lacrosse head coach, Cabrini Hall of Fame inductee and member of the Ridley High School Hall of Fame, will stand with other local coaching greats at the Palestra on March 16th as part of the American Cancer Society’s Coaches vs. Cancer Tourney Tip-Off Breakfast.
At the event, Neary will share her personal cancer story and be honored for her contributions to the fight against cancer as the 2015 recipient of the Charley Dinsmore Award.
The event raises funds for American Cancer Society research, programs, services, and education, a mission that is close to Neary’s heart as a 14 year cancer survivor.
In her mid-thirties, Neary was diagnosed with choriocarcinoma only a few short weeks after giving birth to her fourth child. The cancer had already affected several organs and was headed towards the brain. Adding chemotherapy to the schedule of a collegiate head coach and young mother of four was more than one could possibly juggle.
Neary explains that the team mentality that she had so heavily coached on the field became a needed reality for her personal life. Neary recalls the special moments that others stepped into help. With the support of fellow coaches, the athletic director and her student athletes, Neary was able to continue coaching her team the season during her treatment.
“I didn’t want to show how scared I was but the support was so appreciated. I will never forget the hugs, the phone calls, and the way people stepped in to help me out. I tell all my players, that life may not be wrapped in a bow, but it is a gift.”
In 2000, Neary’s positive attitude and determination proved valuable again both on and off the field. The same year she finished her final chemotherapy treatment, the Cabrini field hockey team went to the championship game and Neary declared herself cancer free.
Tickets are available for the 17th annual Coaches vs. Cancer® Tourney Tip-Off Breakfast presented by ACME on Monday, March 16, 2015 at the Palestra. In addition to honoring Coach Neary, the event will offer guests breakfast and the chance to watch Philadelphia’s sports media personalities and the Philadelphia’s six NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Coaches discuss the 2015 NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament.
The event has also been made possible by Comcast SportsNet, KYW Newsradio 1060, SportsRadio 94 WIP, Philadelphia Daily News, Schmidt Baking Company, IBEW Local Union 98 and Penn Medicine. To learn more about the event, and the Coaches vs. Cancer Program, visit phillycoachesvscancer.org or call 215-985-5304.
