By Chris Berry
In the summer before her sophomore year, Bergan Foley was looking around online when she saw a video on the Internet that stood out to her. The video told the story of Jaclyn Murphy, a girl who was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma—a malignant and life threatening brain tumor—at the age of nine. Using a slideshow, the video showed Murphy getting healthier with friends and family, after the Northwestern University’s women’s lacrosse team adopted her and made her an honorary team member.
After seeing how happy their daughter was, the Murphy family decided to create the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation in 2006. The FOJ matches a child suffering from a pediatric brain tumor with a college or high school sports team, based on geographic location.
“I [talked to] my coach and asked her if that was something we were willing to be a part of,” said Foley.
Looking for a university to adopt Emily Beck, the Beck family decided that the University of Louisville women’s lacrosse team was the right team for their daughter.
“Her family picked us,” said Foley. “It was tough [to match the team with a child], because there wasn’t anyone in the Louisville area that was a girl. So her family called us and found us.”
With this simple search, two groups of people who knew nothing about each other were instantly connected. Ever since then, they have been like one big family. When Beck comes and visits, she is just like a normal sister.
“She does our makeup every time she comes, and our nails,” said Foley.
While Beck is in Cincinnati to receive her treatments, the players visit her—bringing her games, spending time with her and teaching her how to play lacrosse.
“She has stayed at my house a couple of times,” said Foley. “When she is able to, she attends games and practices.”
On Sept. 25, the U of L women’s lacrosse team put on an exhibition game, playing against the Bellarmine University men’s lacrosse team. The proceeds from the event were donated to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, to help with research. The event brought in over $500, and they continue to bring in more money through donations.
“This event couldn’t have turned out any better for the lacrosse community,” said Kellie Young, head coach of the U of L lacrosse team. “We had a ton of people, and great lacrosse that benefitted an organization dedicated to saving the lives of children. It is a complete win-win and a great time.”
Even though the program originally involved lacrosse teams, it has progressed into multiple sports in many different locations. To learn more about the Friends of Jaclyn, and how you can help a child suffering from a pediatric brain tumor, visit friendsofjaclyn.org. If you would like to learn more about Emily Beck’s story and how to help, go to firstgiving.com/emilybeck.
