Jake Rudd and Kathleen O’Connor share a love for the game of lacrosse and now, unfortunately, cancer.
Rudd, 14, of Wayne, N.J., is battling Ewing sarcoma and O’Connor, 22, a member of the Villanova University women’s lacrosse team, is amidst a fight against non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This summer, the duo is teaming up with lacrosse star Tom Schreiber to support the HEADstrong Foundation through the launch of the National Lax-Off Against Cancer (LaxOffAgainstCancer.org).
The National Lax-Off Against Cancer is a digital bracket tournament allowing clubs nationwide to compete off the field for a national title. Beginning in the first weekend of June and running through the third weekend of July, clubs will compete in 72-hour online and social media fundraising challenges. Clubs with the largest incremental fundraising gain will survive and advance until one club is crowned the “national champion of giving.”
This concept is intended to provide clubs with a philanthropic layer, thus allowing them to strengthen their commitment to the development of the complete student-athlete. Student-athletes can fulfill community service requirements as well as collegiate prerequisites.
“We’re thrilled to introduce the National Lax-Off Against Cancer and believe this is a wonderful compliment to the club lacrosse season and the perfect way for clubs to help families affected by cancer,” Schreiber said.