Panthers Welcome Jess and HEADstrong to the Pitt Lacrosse Family
2/5/2022 11:00:00 AM | Women's Lacrosse
PITTSBURGH – The University of Pittsburgh lacrosse team welcomed HEADstrong teammate Jess Foss to the Pitt Lacrosse family last weekend.
"We love HEADstrong! They are an organization that to its core, focuses on building a support system and improving the quality of life for families affected by cancer," Boissonneault said. "As a team, our athletes know what it looks like and feels like to be supported day in and day out by one another. By partnering with HEADstrong and welcoming Jess to our team, we are inviting her to be a part of our family."
HEADstrong was founded in 2006 by Nicholas Colleluori. During his freshman season playing D1 lacrosse at Hofstra, Nick was diagnosed with Diffuse Large B-Cell non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, a blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system. While receiving treatment, Nick noticed the lack of resources for cancer patients and their families and created HEADstrong from his hospital bed. HEADstrong is based outside of Philadelphia, where many cancer patients often travel to seek care and treatment. The foundation supports cancer patients and their families with peer support, financial help, and lodging for families that don't have anywhere to stay.
Jess, a sophomore at Pitt, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in May 2020. She missed out on her high school senior year activities and was unable to continue with soccer and track, but following high school was still able to complete her first year at Pitt. She attended her online classes throughout 2020-21 and is now present at in-person classes this semester. After completing her treatments, Jess knew she wanted to stay involved in the cancer community and that's where HEADstrong came in.
"I am so excited, and it feels amazing to join the Pitt Lacrosse family," Foss said. "Although I was not heavily involved in lacrosse before, I have been involved in the sports world for most of my life and the connection you get from your teammates is unlike any other. I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to join a team as welcoming as this one and can't wait to support them throughout the season! I am definitely looking forward to the comradery and togetherness of everyone, but I'm mostly looking forward to gaining some incredible bonds with these girls."
The Panthers will participate in HEADstrong's Game Hair Havoc program during the 2022 season as well. Game Hair Havoc is a HEADstrong campaign that empowers athletes to style their game hair to raise funds for families affected by cancer.
"I want people to understand why it is so important," Jess said. "What HEADstrong does for families, like mine, is incredibly impactful. Not only does HEADstrong provide astounding housing for you, but they also bring together a community of similar people. For me, I was able to talk to other patients which is much easier than talking to those who (thankfully) don't "get it". Cancer has a huge impact on the patient, of course, but it doesn't just affect the patient and HEADstrong has done a great job bringing comfort to both the patient and the families."
Jess will be a part of team events moving forward and a HEADstrong game will be announced soon.
"We love HEADstrong! They are an organization that to its core, focuses on building a support system and improving the quality of life for families affected by cancer," Boissonneault said. "As a team, our athletes know what it looks like and feels like to be supported day in and day out by one another. By partnering with HEADstrong and welcoming Jess to our team, we are inviting her to be a part of our family."
HEADstrong was founded in 2006 by Nicholas Colleluori. During his freshman season playing D1 lacrosse at Hofstra, Nick was diagnosed with Diffuse Large B-Cell non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, a blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system. While receiving treatment, Nick noticed the lack of resources for cancer patients and their families and created HEADstrong from his hospital bed. HEADstrong is based outside of Philadelphia, where many cancer patients often travel to seek care and treatment. The foundation supports cancer patients and their families with peer support, financial help, and lodging for families that don't have anywhere to stay.
Jess, a sophomore at Pitt, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in May 2020. She missed out on her high school senior year activities and was unable to continue with soccer and track, but following high school was still able to complete her first year at Pitt. She attended her online classes throughout 2020-21 and is now present at in-person classes this semester. After completing her treatments, Jess knew she wanted to stay involved in the cancer community and that's where HEADstrong came in.
"I am so excited, and it feels amazing to join the Pitt Lacrosse family," Foss said. "Although I was not heavily involved in lacrosse before, I have been involved in the sports world for most of my life and the connection you get from your teammates is unlike any other. I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to join a team as welcoming as this one and can't wait to support them throughout the season! I am definitely looking forward to the comradery and togetherness of everyone, but I'm mostly looking forward to gaining some incredible bonds with these girls."
The Panthers will participate in HEADstrong's Game Hair Havoc program during the 2022 season as well. Game Hair Havoc is a HEADstrong campaign that empowers athletes to style their game hair to raise funds for families affected by cancer.
"I want people to understand why it is so important," Jess said. "What HEADstrong does for families, like mine, is incredibly impactful. Not only does HEADstrong provide astounding housing for you, but they also bring together a community of similar people. For me, I was able to talk to other patients which is much easier than talking to those who (thankfully) don't "get it". Cancer has a huge impact on the patient, of course, but it doesn't just affect the patient and HEADstrong has done a great job bringing comfort to both the patient and the families."
Jess will be a part of team events moving forward and a HEADstrong game will be announced soon.
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