 Cancer is the number
one disease killer of
children between the
ages of 1-19.
In the U.S. nearly
3,000 children die from
cancer each year.
1 in 330 will be
diagnosed with cancer by
the age of 20.
Approximately 12,400
children are diagnosed
with cancer each year.
The Gold Ribbon is the
universal awareness
symbol of childhood
cancer.
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For children with cancer, the Michael Hoefflin Foundation is a beacon of hope in
their quest to conquer such deadly diseases and live life to the fullest. To help children in their fight, the Hoefflin Foundation has brought an annual Major League Soccer exhibition game to the Santa Clarita Valley. Players & Coaches from the MLS's Columbus Crew, LA Galaxy & Chivas USA have volunteered their time to raise funds and awareness about pediatric brain tumors.
In 2007 the Michael Hoefflin Foundation teamed up with the Columbus Crew and the Soccer for Hope organization to offer two soccer clinics to improve the skills of local soccer players, coaches, and referees. One of the clinics, run by Soccer for Hope, offered the chance for children, ages 8-16, to learn tips from the pros on the Columbus Crew. The players helped the kids navigate drills on the field and demonstrate proper soccer techniques. Each participant received a free t-shirt and the chance to get autographs from their favorite players. The second clinic, headed up by Columbus Crew head coach, Sigi Schmid gave local coaches and referees the opportunity to learn trade secrets of the MLS.
"We are so excited to be offering these clinics to the community," said Scott Schauer, Executive Director of the Foundation. "They offer such a great opportunity for local soccer fans to get up close and personal with professional players and coaches. We are grateful to the Columbus Crew and Soccer for Hope for helping us reach out to the community in this way." In 2008, Columbus Crew faced Chivas USA at the College of the Canyons' Cougar Stadium in Santa Clarita, CA and was another successful event bringing in more than 7,000 fans to the stadium.
The Michael Hoefflin Foundation strives to educate the public and provide grant funding for innovative research to accelerate progress in the fight against pediatric cancer. They are a non-profit foundation that provides financial and emotional support to children and their families facing childhood cancer in the Santa Clarita and surrounding valleys. Currently the Foundation serves nearly 200 families actively struggling with pediatric cancer, with new referrals coming in weekly. www.mhf.org
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