The New York Lizards announced that they have partnered with the HEADstrong foundation, which is a non-profit organization to raise awareness and funds for non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
HEADstrong has its roots in the sport of lacrosse, as the foundation was founded by former Hofstra lacrosse player Nicholas ‘HEAD’ Colleluori during his fight with the disease. The Lizards will dedicate this season to raising awareness, funds and support in the fight against blood cancers.
The HEADstrong foundation advocates, fundraises and supports those affected by blood cancers and those working toward eliminating the disease. The foundation is dedicated to helping both patients and families navigate the harrowing ordeal of cancer by providing assistance, guidance and essential services oriented in improving the quality of life.
The New York Lizards Celebrating the first victory of the MLL season, will be raising funds and awareness to the HEADstrong Foundation. Photo by: Stacy Podelski/ 1495 Sports
In 2012 the HEADstrong foundation was recognized as a charity partner of the MLL All-Star Game, which was held at FAU Stadium in Palm Beach County, FL.
Since their beginnings the Lizards have been committed to giving back to the community, but this charity hits close to home with the team as there are nine players having formerly played with Nick Colleluori and five home games scheduled at Hofstra’s James M. Shuart Stadium, where he played collegiately.
Serving as the 2013 Player Spokeman for the HEADstrong Foundation will be New York Lizards defenseman C.J. Costabile, who has worked closely with the organization over the past year and helped to promote awareness to the foundation.
“We are really looking forward to getting the season underway. We are honored represent Nick Colleluori and the HEADstrong Foundation on the field this year,” said Costabile. “There are a lot of guys on the team that have been personally impacted and inspired by Nick’s life. It is rather fitting to represent him at Hofstra this summer.”
Mike Unterstein a defenseman for the Lizards and teammate of Nick Colleluori had this to say, “I think the HEADstrong organization stands for everything that Nick was. Nick was a very loyal, genuine and hardworking teammate. Always doing the right thing, always putting others before him, and that’s basically what the HEADstrong Foundation is. They’re always trying to help. It’s just one of those organizations that stand out to me. I love to working with them and helping out from now into the future”
“On behalf of the HEADstrong Foundation, our family and our Founder Nicholas “HEAD” Colleluori we wish to extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the New York Lizards for their support and commitment in 2013,” said Cheryl Colleluori who is the President of the HEADstrong Foundation as well as Nick’s Mom. “ It is really special to see so many of Nick’s former teammates upholding the meaning behind HEADstrong and uniting together on the playing field to share his vision at the professional level. We are honored to call the New York Lizards partners in our fight against blood cancers and we look forward to a wonderful collaborative relationship.”
For fans interested in learning more about the HEADstrong foundation should make sure to check out the official site seen below:
http://headstrongfoundation.org/
The Lizards are also holding a Score for the Cure Campaign for info and to donate feel free to click on the link below:
https://www.firstgiving.com/headstrongfoundation/new-york-lizards-score-for-cure-2013