Support Friends of Jaclyn's Impactful Mission
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$670 raised of $500
11 donations
Hi, I’m Liv Furda, and I’m reaching out to you to support Friends of Jaclyn, an incredible organization based in New York. Their mission is to help improve the quality of life of kids struggling with pediatric cancer. The organization was founded in 2005 by Jaclyn Murphy who was diagnosed at the age of nine with brain cancer. Through chance events, Jaclyn was adopted by the Northwestern lacrosse team as an honorary player in 2004, where they went on to win their first NCAA national championship in 64 years. The experience gave Jaclyn such hope that she wanted to bring that joy into other sick childrens lives. The Murphy family created Friends of Jaclyn Foundation. The foundation pairs a child with a local high school or college sports team who are registered to adopt a child. This gives kids battling cancer a second family with tons of support and role models, in addition to giving them an outlet and a fun distraction to take their mind off the cancer treatments. The foundation has helped over 950 families and also has become an incredible opportunity for high schools and colleges to get involved with pediatric cancer and build lifelong bonds. I was introduced to the Foundation through Penn Football who adopted Vhito Decpria in 2015. When Vhito was two, he was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer and was given two weeks to live. His body responded well to the treatment and miraculously, a year later he was declared cancer-free. My brother and I grew up around Penn Football and we instantly bonded with Vhito and his family. Vhito was truly inspiring, courageously fighting a cancer battle at such a young age. Vhito went on to live 7 years cancer free, but sadly his cancer returned and he passed away in 2025. He will forever live on in my heart and be a true inspiration to me and so many other people.
Your generous donations will help Friends of Jaclyn:
Provide emotional support and mentorship to children through team interactions.
Fund activities and experiences that bring joy and relief to young warriors and their families.
Every contribution, no matter the size, helps continue this vital work. Thank you for your support!
Your generous donations will help Friends of Jaclyn:
- Provide emotional support and mentorship to children through team interactions.
- Fund activities and experiences that bring joy and relief to young warriors and their families.
Every contribution, no matter the size, helps continue this vital work. Thank you for your support!
Organizer
Friends of Jaclyn
Beneficiary