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AIC Athletics to Battle Cancer Through Fundraising Events

AIC Partnering with Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and Vs. Cancer Initiative

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – American International College is teaming up with the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and its Vs. Cancer program, with Yellow Jackets teams hosting Vs. Cancer games and raising funds to help win the battle with pediatric cancer.

Click here to learn more about the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s Vs. Cancer mission.

"The Vs. Cancer initiative allows our student athletes to support something bigger than themselves. As a cancer survivor myself, I know how impactful a supportive team around you can make treatments, outlook and motivation that much easier. By supporting this organization and their efforts to support pediatric brain tumor and cancer research we are teaching our student athletes that together we are stronger when we support each other and give hope when it seems dim,” said Director of Athletics Rob Kearney.

Started by a pediatric brain cancer survivor and former collegiate athlete, Vs. Cancer makes it easy for any sports team, any athlete, and any community to help kids with cancer. As a signature fundraising program of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, Vs. Cancer proceeds fund family support and child life programs in teams’ communities, along with lifesaving pediatric brain cancer research.

The organization’s approach includes scientific research and support for cancer patients and their families; to that end, half of the proceeds are put into research, and the other half is used in support of programs for families affected by the disease, including financial support, informational resources, and mental health supports. Since 1991, the organization has funded over $50 million in research, and in the last 25 years has provided families with nearly $6 million in financial relief to families in the fight.

For AIC women’s volleyball graduate student and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee President Paola Soto Burgos, who has been public about her own health challenges, this cause is a crucial one.

“The Vs. Cancer games are a powerful reminder that sport is bigger than wins and losses. Our student-athletes rally behind this cause because it lets us turn our platform into hope for kids and families facing cancer. Competing with purpose brings our department together, strengthens our community, and shows what the Yellow Jackets are all about: service, unity, and heart."

Each of AIC’s teams will dedicate one game to the cause, and work to raise funds for the organization as it continues to battle the disease. Additionally, each team has a donation page set up to track their progress. Those dates and links are below.

Additional information, including dates and links for winter and spring sports teams and their events, will be shared once available on aicyellowjackets.com and on the departmental and team social media accounts.

AIC Vs. Cancer Dates and Links:
Men’s Rugby: September 14, 1:00 p.m. vs. Iona: https://team.curethekids.org/aicrugby25
Women’s Rugby: September 14, 5:00 p.m. vs. Sacred Heart: https://team.curethekids.org/aicrugby25
Field Hockey: September 20, 3:00 p.m. vs. Mercy: https://team.curethekids.org/aicfhockey25
Men’s Soccer: October 22, 7:00 p.m. vs. Bentley: https://team.curethekids.org/aicmsoccer25
Football: November 1, 1:00 p.m. vs. Post: https://team.curethekids.org/aicfootball25
Women’s Soccer: November 1, 7:00 p.m. vs. Assumption: https://team.curethekids.org/aicwsoccer25
Women’s Volleyball: November 11, 6:00 p.m. vs. Assumption: https://team.curethekids.org/aicwvball25

ABOUT THE NE10
The NE10 is an association of 10 diverse institutions serving student-athletes across 24 NCAA Division II sports. Together we build brilliant futures by embracing the journey of every student-athlete.

Each year, 4,500 of those student-athletes compete in conference championships in 24 sports, making the NE10 the largest DII conference in the country in terms of sport sponsorship. Leading the way in the classroom, on the field and within the community, the NE10 is proud of its comprehensive program and the experience it provides student-athletes.

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