Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 9/26/17
From Press Release
Hofstra University and the Lax Sports Network are excited to announce that LSN will broadcast live from the 11th Annual Nicholas Colleluori Classic on October 14.
Games from the event will start at 9 a.m. with LSN broadcasting live from 12-4 p.m. from James M. Shuart Stadium. The broadcast will include interviews with members of the Colleluori family, head coaches of the participating teams and student-athletes taking part in this important day. On-site from LSN will be Matt Shortis and Margo McAuley.
“We are thrilled that the Lax Sports Network will be on site and broadcast live from this terrific event,” commented Hofstra Men’s Lacrosse Head Coach Seth Tierney. “Much thanks to the entire LSN team and we are grateful that the HEADstrong Foundation will be on site to talk about their mission and how people can assist. Hofstra University and the HEADstrong Foundation are forever linked and we will always do whatever we can to further their mission.”
The game schedule is as follows:
9 a.m. – Hofstra vs. Bucknell
10:30 a.m. – Bucknell vs. Hartford
12 p.m. – Penn State vs. Lehigh
1:40 p.m. – Lehigh vs. Hartford
3 p.m. – Hofstra vs. Penn State
The highlight of the day will be the annual HEADstrong Foundation presentation at 1:15 p.m. The Colleluori will be on-hand to speak to the assembled teams and talk about their foundation, in addition to honoring local families affected by cancer and presenting the Nicholas Colleluori Award to a member of each of the participating teams for their commitment to leadership, selflessness and community.
Nicholas Colleluori, a Ridley graduate, was a college lacrosse player entering his sophomore year, when he was terminally diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. His public fight from the sidelines at Hofstra University captivated the nation and from his hospital bed he created an organization focused on empowering student-athletes to improve lives affected by the disease. His vision was simple yet critical; helping real families when they needed it most, providing support so that families may live with a greater dignity and normalcy. Colleluori fought to improve the inpatient experience, the affordability and accessibility of care and tackled the general concerns facing the patient population. Understanding the ripple effect and impact that a cancer diagnosis had on a family, Colleluori championed efforts to support caregivers and capital projects to improve accommodations. He built an awareness platform driven by lime green shoelaces, the national awareness color for non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. He empowered his own family and in the last days of his life asked them to pick up the ball where he left off. It’s a promise that the Colleluori family continues to fulfill through the essential programs and services offered by the HEADstrong Foundation, www.HEADstrong.org.
In lieu of admission, a suggested donation of $5.00 per person will be asked at the gate. HEADstrong will also have a full offering of supporter-wear on hand with proceeds helping to advance the mission.
“Our Nick once said, “When I am back at Hofstra and able to attend practices and games, it’s like all that I have been going through doesn’t matter, because when I’m on the field, things are normal and I don’t have cancer.” It is an honor and privilege to return to Nick’s beloved alma mater each year to host this very special event supporting his vision. We are truly grateful to Hofstra University and all of our participating teams for their continued love and support. This year’s 5 participating teams represent the 5 essential services including: the Nicholas E. Colleluori Financial Grant, our HEADtable program, our HEAD-to-HEAD program, the Nicholas E. Colleluori Lymphoma Research Fund and most importantly Nick’s House. The proceeds raised through this special event will allow us to strengthen our commitment to improving lives affected by cancer. To date, we as a lacrosse community have raised more than $10.5 million dollars which has assisted more than 14,000 families to navigate their cancer journey with greater clarity, dignity and normalcy. On behalf of the HEADstrong Foundation, those we humbly serve, the Colleluori family and our founder, Nicholas, we wish to extend our sincere appreciation to all of the teams, supporters and volunteers taking part in part of our fall event series this year.” – Cheryl Colleluori, HEADstrong President and Nick’s Mom
For more information on the HEADstrong Foundation, please visit www.HEADstrong.org or follow on social @HEADstrongFnd.