Sept. 11, 2008
EASTON, Pa. - Members of the Lafayette women's basketball team will host a charity shoot-a-thon called Hoops for Hope on Sept. 28 at Kirby Sports Center. The Leopards are hosting the event in honor of two of the team's off-court heroes--Kasey Keenan and Lauren Loose, daughter of Lafayette defensive coordinator John Loose.
The Leopards have pledged to make 100 foul shots as a team. Those interested in contributing to the cause can donate either a set amount of money per team member for each made shot or can make a general donation to the cause. All proceeds from the event will go directly to two pediatric cancer foundations--Kasey's Krusaders and Lauren's First and Goal.
"I think it's outstanding that these young ladies are willing and wanting to help raise awareness about such devastating diseases," head coach Tammy Smith said. "The strength of these two young girls and their families is unmatchable and anything we can do to help the battles they face on a daily basis is a worthwhile and valuable life experience for our team."
Kasey, a long-time Lafayette women's basketball fan, has served as the team's "junior captain" for multiple seasons and her family hosts the entire women's team for an end-of-the-season barbeque each year. Kasey is currently in remission from pediatric lymphoma after being diagnosed in August, 2003. Kasey's Krusaders is a fundraising group that helps raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The organization is currently in its sixth year of operation and has raised over $100,000, including more than $20,000 in the first year alone.
Lauren has been battling pediatric brain and spinal cord tumors since she was nine months old. Lauren's First and Goal is a charitable organization created to raise funds to support pediatric brain tumor research, support local pediatric cancer services, provide financial assistance to families living with a pediatric brain cancer diagnosis and raise public awareness regarding pediatric brain tumors. Each summer, Lauren's First and Goal holds a football clinic at Lafayette's Metzgar Fields to raise money for the organization. This year the organization has already raised $258,000 and over the past five years has raised nearly $600,000.
For more information on the event or to contribute a donation, please contact Tammy Smith at 610-330-5475. For additional information on Lauren's First and Goal, visit http://www.laurensfirstandgoal.org/home.html.
