Football Teams with Friends of Jaclyn

Owls Football Adopts 15-year-old Mullica NJ Boy with Neurofibromatosis

PHILADELPHIA (9/25/13) - The Temple Owls Football team, through the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation has adopted Chris Richer, a 15-year-old Mullica, NJ, boy who suffers from Neurofibromatosis.

Although he was diagnosed at the age of three, it did not prevent Chris from playing football, the sport he loves. Chris played offensive and defensive tackle until the age of nine.

"I wish we could all have the courage that Chris has," said Temple Owls' head coach Matt Rhule. "I really hope that we can support him and make him proud to be a part of our team. He has already inspired us; we can only hope to do the same for him. Win, lose, or draw, I hope we can make him proud of the way we play."

In a press conference setting last night, Chris signed a ceremonial letter of intent, was given a helmet and jersey (with his favorite number – 30 – and name on the back). He now has his own locker and is invited to attend all practices and games.

"This is great for him because he loves football," said Linda Richer, Chris' mother. "He used to play but he misses it. The best thing is that the team is going to be supporting him through his entire cancer experience."

This is the fourth child adopted by a Temple University Athletic team. The women's lacrosse team adopted Devon Lam in 2008, who has since passed, and Lily Adkins in 2010, who continues to take part in many team activities. The women's softball team adopted Vanessa Moresi in 2011 and she remains involved with the team.

About the Friends of Jaclyn
In 2004, 9-year-old Jaclyn Murphy was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma, a malignant brain tumor. While undergoing treatment, she was inspired by a large framed photo on the hospital wall of a joyful, young woman lacrosse player celebrating her team's NCAA championship. Jaclyn would see it and say, "I am going to play lacrosse again when I get well."

A year later Northwestern University's Lacrosse team adopted Jaclyn as an honorary member. Jaclyn's strength, courage, relentless spirit, and joy for life inspired everyone. When Jaclyn was in the middle of the team's celebration, her parents realized that Jaclyn's relationship with the players – her adopted sisters – had a positive effect on her happiness and health. The Northwestern players knew that their relationship with Jaclyn had opened their eyes and hearts to a deeper appreciation for life.

Soon afterward, Jaclyn shared a big dream with her father. She wanted other children with pediatric brain tumors to have similar experiences of being honorary team members. The Murphys understood it is ultimately the love and support of others that gives people the inspiration and courage to get through this challenging journey.

In 2005, Denis and Lynda Murphy started The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation to improve the quality of life for children with pediatric brain tumors and their families by pairing them with college and high school athletic teams. The FoJ program has grown incredibly to over 300 children who have been adopted by high school and college teams across the country.

-- TEMPLE OWLS --

Temple University Athletics

Football Teams with Friends of Jaclyn

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