June 20, 2011
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EASTON, Pa. - Old Dominion football assistant coaches Ron Whitcomb and Mike Zyskowski joined more than 1,800 high school football players at the eighth annual Lauren's First and Goal Football Camp at Lafayette College in early June to help raise more than $80,000 to Lauren's First and Goal Foundation for pediatric brain tumor research, cancer services, and family support.
This year´s event set camp records for number of players registered and camper donations.
The camp is the primary fundraiser for Lauren´s First and Goal Foundation and all proceeds from the event go directly to its mission of providing financial support for brain tumor research and cancer services, offering financial and emotional support to families living with pediatric cancer, and increasing awareness of the disease.
During the one-day camp, players receive instruction in a variety of offensive and defensive skills from college coaches from around the country including Whitcomb and Zyskowski. Almost 300 coaches representing 100 colleges and universities volunteered at the event, while athletes hailed from 16 different states and even Singapore.
"This is more than just football, its about a cause," said Zyskowski. "Getting involved in helping cancer research and families affected by cancer is close to my heart, especially since I lost my father to the dreaded disease. Cancer affects everyone and this was a great way to help make a difference in many lives."
Created in 2004 by John and Marianne Loose in honor of their 14-year-old daughter Lauren, a pediatric brain tumor survivor, LFG has raised $199,658 this year. Since its inception, the foundation has donated more than $800,000 toward the fight against pediatric brain tumors and cancer.
"While it's sad to lose anyone to cancer, what John and Marianne Loose have done in memory of their daughter in helping children and families has been tremendous." said Whitcomb. "This is an event I look forward to participating in every year."
More information about the camps and the foundation is available at www.laurensfirstandgoal.org.