Lacrosse Team Dedicating Wednesday's Game to Many Worthy Causes

Photo by: Mitchell Leff

Lacrosse Team Dedicating Wednesday's Game to Many Worthy Causes

2.19.18 | Women's Lacrosse

PHILADELPHIA - Temple lacrosse is dedicating its next home game on Wednesday, Feb. 21 against Saint Joseph's, to "Cause Day." All 29 members of the team have chosen their own cause, and each explains below why they have chosen that particular cause. The Owls (2-1) will face the Hawks (1-1) at 3 p.m.

Maryn Lowell
Cause: Green Vegans
Website: http://www.greenvegans.org/

Why I chose this:
Each year enough food is grown to feed 10 billion people, yet nearly a billion human beings are starving each day. This is because nearly half of all food grown is fed to farmed animals. In addition, each year, animal agriculture produces more harmful greenhouse gasses than every car on the planet combined. CEOs of large animal agriculture corporations employ illegal, untaxed labor and frequently violate workers rights while paying themselves million dollar salaries with millions more in bonuses. Green Vegans seeks to put an end to an industry that makes it money off of defenseless animals while contributing greatly to climate change and ignoring human rights. Nearly every issue on this list from cancer to starvation to oppression to heart failure could be solved if people stopped supporting the animal agriculture industry.

Gwyn Acker
Cause: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Website: stjude.org

Why I chose this:
I choose this foundation because it helps children who have medical problems and cannot afford the health care. The children are cared for in a family centered environment and I feel that when you have family support you feel safe and happy and it takes stress off the family, which in the end gives the family time to be with the sick child.

Maddie Gebert
Cause: Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania
Website: https://www.efepa.org/

Why I chose this:
I was diagnosed with epilepsy when I was 15 and suffered 2 major seizures last year. The EFEPA works on educational programs to inform people about epilepsy and what living with epilepsy is like, as well as working to find a cure through advocacy and research.

Kimmy Weinstock
Cause: March of Dimes
Website: http://marchofdimes.com

Why I chose this:
I started getting involved when I was younger with the March of Dimes foundation that my family has been apart of for many years. This is a foundation that raises awareness for premature babies and the health defects that come along with their premature births. The money that is raised goes to help babies have the healthy start they desreve by providing them with the medical care they need.

Lizzie Frederick
Cause: One Love
Website: https://www.joinonelove.org

Why I chose this:
One Love foundation strives to make people aware of relationship abuse. It shows people what is normal for relationships and what is not. It helps make people, especially college student-athletes, aware of the dangers of dating abuse.

Lydia Hetznecker
Cause: Trent Stetler Lacrosse Play Day for Mental Health
Website: https://www.trentstetlerplayday.com

Why I chose this: Trent Stetler graduated from my high school in 2012 where he was a four year varsity lacrosse player, team captain, and team MVP. Trent tragically took his life on January 2, 2015. The Trent Stetler play day was started to as a celebration of the life of Trent Stetler and his dedication to the sport of lacrosse. It is a fundraiser to support The Trent Stetler Memorial Scholarship and to raise money for educational programs for the members of the Haverford community to raise awareness ad reduce the stigma around mental health issues.

Toni Yuko
Cause: American Childhood Cancer Organization
Website: www.acco.org

Why I chose this:
In June 2017, my cousin's 7-year old daughter, Izzy, was diagnosed with Embroynal Nasopharyngeal Rhabdomyosarcoma-- Stage 3, Group 3 after doctors discovered a tennis ball sized tumor behind her nose and obstructing her throat. In July, Izzy began 43 weeks of chemo and 6 weeks of radiation because surgery was not an option. In November, scans miraculously showed that the tumor was completely gone, although she still weeks of chemo left. I chose this foundation because only 4% of cancer funds go towards childhood cancer research, so donations directly to the American Childhood Cancer Organization ensure that research specifically towards childhood cancer can successfully continue.

Julia Ryan
Cause: Trenton Area Soup Kitchen
Website: http://www.trentonsoupkitchen.org

Why I chose this:
The Trenton Area Soup Kitchen works to feed the hungry in my county of New Jersey where the wage gap is extremely pronounced and is important to me because it is an organization that raises awareness about hunger and how hunger affects all aspects of a person's life. This particular hunger organization is special to me because it is so close to my home.

Kira Gensler
Cause: Sarcoma Foundation of America
Website: https://www.curesarcoma.org/

Why I chose this:
Corrine Hare was one of my players years ago and is a very close friend of mine. At just 12 years old she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma and battled for the last two years. Fortunately, Corrine beat cancer and after many surgeries got to spend this past Christmas with her parents and five brothers! Corrine is a fighter and this organization does nothing but support families and patients who are battling against this cancer!

Molly Luderitz
Cause: Four Diamonds Fund
Website: www.fourdiamonds.org

Why I chose this:
My hometown of Hershey, PA is home to one of the largest pediatric cancer research hospitals, and home to many pediatric cancer patients. The Four Diamonds Fund goes directly to the Hershey Medical Center for research towards finding a cure. This is special to me because of how involved I have always been with this organization growing up in Hershey.

Kara Nakrasius
Cause: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Website: https://afsp.org

Why I chose this:
This foundation raises awareness, funds scientific research, and provides resources/aid to those affected by suicide. I chose the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention because I have lost my brother last year to suicide and would like to support people who have been also impacted and believe it is important to raise awareness.

Taylor Gooch
Cause: Alzheimer's Association
Website: www.alz.org

Why I chose this:
Alzheimer's disease has affected people in my family. Alzheimer's Association gives great information pertaining to the disease. It also provides people with different support they may need if they, or someone they love, is affected by the disease.

Michelle Koscinski
Cause: Alzheimer's Foundation of America
Website: https://alzfdn.org/

Why I chose this:
The Alzheimer's Foundation of America's (AFA) mission is to provide great care and services to individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses and to their families and caregivers. I chose this foundation because my mommom was personally affected with Alzheimer's and it was something that was very hard to watch. I think it is important to support and raise awareness about this serious disease.

Jackie Cerchio
Cause: Active Minds
Website: www.activeminds.org

Why I chose this:
I have seen friends and family struggle with mental health and feel like they could not get/did not want any help, and I saw the impacts it had on them. Mental health is a common battle people face and over the years it has been gaining more awareness. I think this organization is great because it provides awareness and resources to campuses nationwide to encourage people to seek help as well as encourage the conversation of mental health and end the stigma around it.

Nicole Latgis
Cause: Make-A-Wish Foundation
Website: www.wish.org

Why I chose this:
This foundation aims to grant one wish to every child diagnosed with a critical illness in hopes that fulfilling that wish will greatly impact the child's happiness and hopefulness. I think this foundation strives to achieve something great by trying to produce smiles on the faces of children who are eligible to have a wish.

Gabby Acker
Cause: Edward Taylor Coombs Foundation
Website: http://etcfoundation34.org/

Why I chose this:
Edward Taylor Coombs graduated from my high school, Hatboro-Horsham in 2010. Throughout his high school career, Edward showed his gifted athletic abilities in several sports, especially in Lacrosse. By his senior in high school, he received "All-State" honors and was heading to Marist College on a scholarship for lacrosse. Edward not only known for sports, but also for being an exceptional student. However, in August of 2011, just after completing one academic year at Marist, Edward died in a fatal car accident. The Edward Taylor Coombs Foundation was created to continue Edward's legacy of academic and athletic talents by providing financial assistance to outstanding student scholar/athletes so they can pursue their goals and reach their full potential.

Abby Overman
Cause: Hussman Center for Adults with Autism
Website: www.towson.edu/iwb/centers/hussman/

Why I chose this:
The Hussman Center for Adults with Autism is a foundation my aunt and uncle started for adults with autism. This is important to me because my cousin Ross is an adult with autism. There are far less opportunities and support systems for adults with autism versus children. This foundation has helped spread awareness and create opportunities for these individuals.

Nicole Barretta
Cause: Kelsey Kramer Foundation
Website: www.kelseysbridge.com

Why I chose this:
This foundation was made in honor of one of my best friends from high school who tragically lost her life in a car accident. I chose this foundation in support of her memory as she is the reason that I wear #18.

Courtney Taylor
Cause: Camp Pals
Website: http://www.palsprograms.org/fundraise/

Why I chose this:
This organization is a place to get people with Down syndrome involved, make connections and friendships, and have fun with their peers. Pals relies on donations so that the camp is accessible to all and so that they can maintain their programs and services throughout the country. I chose this program because I grew up with neighbors who had Down syndrome, and they have always had an impact on my life. I know this is a place where they go to, and feel welcomed and make new friends every year.

Amber Lambeth
Cause: Ronald McDonald House Charities
Website: www.rmhc.org

Why I chose this:
My cousin had cancer in his hip and during the treatment process, my aunt and uncle were able to stay at a Ronald McDonald house for his recovery.

Olivia Thompson
Cause: Patty Pollatos Fund
Website: http://www.ppfinc.org/

Why I chose this:
I chose the Patty Pollatos Fund because they helped my cousin who went through two liver transplants with financial support and they give hope to a lot of others who are going through hard times.

Meghan Hoffman
Cause: Luke Timothy Hoffman Foundation
Website: http://lthfoundation.org/luke.html

Why I chose this:
My family has been affected by the loss of a fallen officer in our family and this foundation helps raise money for a great cause.

Haile Houck
Cause: National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA)
Website: www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

Why I chose this:
The organization has helped my family and I personally, as well as provides treatment options, education, and spreads body positivity!

Quinn Benintende
Cause: National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Website: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/

Why I chose this:
My family has been affected my MS, a rampant and terrible disease, and the NMSS brings awareness and hope in finding a cure.

Kaitlin Suzuki
Cause: Special Olympics
Website: https://www.specialolympics.org

Why I chose this:
Special Olympics is the world's largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, providing year-round training and competitions to 5.7 million athletes and Unified Sports partners in 172 countries. Special Olympics provides a fun and safe environment for athletes to compete. My brother participated in multiple sports through Special Olympics. I was lucky enough to help coach many of his teams.

Bridget Whitaker
Cause: Crohn's and Colitis Foundation
Website: http://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org

Why I chose this:
My brother at the age of 4 was diagnosed with Crohn's disease and then not long after that my dad had been diagnosed with Colitis. I see all of the treatments and doctors appointments that they both have to go through and all of the sacrifices that my family had to made over the years to keep them healthy. This organization supports something close to my family so that is why I chose it.

Kelsea Hershey
Cause: World Vision
Website: https://www.worldvision.org/

Why I chose this:
This is a non-profit Christian organization that works with the poor and oppressed. Through this organization people have the opportunity to sponsor a child, which provides basic necessities they are unable to get. My family has a sponsor child from Kenya. This organization is something I have a passion for which is why I picked it.

Olivia Martin
Cause: American Heart Association
Website: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/

Why I chose this:
My mom works in the cardiac field and as a family we have always been relatively involved with the association. As a family we have participated in their heart walks, which are one of their fundraisers.

Jen Rodzewich
Cause: American Red Cross
Website: http://www.redcross.org

Why I chose this:
I believe that blood donation is a serious priority in our country and needs more attention. My dad is one of the only people I know that is constantly donating blood when he is allowed to. He has 0- blood so he is a universal donor but every type of blood donation is important. I try to donate as much as possible but sometimes I am unable to. The Red Cross is an organization made up of mostly volunteers and it is purely working to saves lives.