Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 10/20/16
From Press Release
This Saturday, October 22nd Cabrini University will host the 1st Annual HEADstrong DIII Fall Scrimmages. The inaugural event will feature three DIII men’s programs including: Cabrini University, Montclair State University and Widener University. This special event will honor HEADstrong President and Nick’s Mom Cheryl Colleluori and caregivers across the country.
HEADstrong DIII Scrimmages at Cabrini University Event Schedule
HEADstrong DIII Scrimmages
Time Field Home Away
Game 1 – 3:00PM EST Edith Robb Dixon Field Cabrini University Montclair State University
Game 2 – 5:00PM EST Edith Robb Dixon Field Widener University Montclair State University
HEADstrong Presentation & Award Ceremony – 6:30PM EST
Game 3 – 7:00PM EST Edith Robb Dixon Field Cabrini University Widener University
Cheryl had children early in life and had always dreamed of going to college to receive her undergraduate degree. Despite balancing a career and being a parent she relentlessly pursued an education from Cabrini University. Her dream was almost shattered when her 19-year old son Nicholas was terminally diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2005. Cheryl had just a semester left when Nicholas was diagnosed. Despite taking on the role of a caregiver to her son, it was Nicholas who encouraged her to continue to pursue her education through his treatment process.
“Regardless of what he was going through physically and emotionally what bothered Nicholas the most was seeing the toll that cancer was having on our family. It was this in part that inspired him to create the HEADstrong Foundation. When mom felt like throwing in the towel on her education it was Nick who encouraged her to stay the course. He was a great motivator.” says Pat Colleluori, HEADstrong CMO and Nick’s Brother
On the day that Cheryl was scheduled to graduate Magna Cum Laude with a BA in Organizational Leadership from Cabrini University, Nicholas suffered a severe allergic reaction to a medication. After a decade of work, Cheryl vowed that she was not leaving her son’s side, but a heavily sedated Colleluori whispered in his mother’s ear “Mom, you need to go. I am so proud of you, you earned this and you need to go.” And so Cheryl went to her graduation alongside of 2 of her 4 sons while her husband stayed with Nicholas at the hospital.
This powerful story, is helping to shed light on the struggles and selfless sacrifices that caregivers make on behalf of their loved ones. At the event this weekend, Cabrini University will present Cheryl Colleluori with the prestigious Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini Award for Community Service, which recognizes alumni for their extraordinary volunteer service to the external community.
Since 2006, Cheryl has been at the helm of the HEADstrong Foundation, preserving her son’s legacy by upholding his desire to help real families when they needed it most, providing support so that families may live with a greater dignity and normalcy. Nicholas Colleluori fought to improve the inpatient experience, the affordability and accessibility of care and tackled the general concerns facing the patient population. Understanding the ripple effect and impact that a cancer diagnosis had on a family, Colleluori championed efforts to support caregivers and capital projects to improve accommodations.
He built an awareness platform driven by lime green shoelaces, the national awareness color for non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. He empowered his own family and in the last days of his life asked them to pick up the ball where he left off. It’s a promise that Cheryl Colleluori and her family continue to fulfill through the essential programs and services offered by the HEADstrong Foundation, www.HEADstrong.org.
In lieu of admission, a suggested donation of $5.00 per person will be asked at the gate. HEADstrong will also have a full offering of supporter-wear on hand with proceeds helping to advance the mission.
Student philanthropy is at the center of this special event with each of the participating teams hosting fundraisers on their respected campuses to assist the goal. Additionally, each player will take the field wearing HEADstrong’s iconic lime green shoelaces to promote awareness for the cause.
HEADstrong will honor heroes and their families at the event presenting grants and gifts from the organization intended to improve their quality of life. In addition to receiving an award, Cheryl Colleluori will also present the prestigious Nicholas Colleluori Award to a member from each program whose contributions both on and off the field are transforming the landscape of their represented program.
“Words cannot begin to convey my sincere gratitude to my alma mater Cabrini University for recognizing our efforts with the prestigious Saint Francis Xavier Cabrini Award for Community Service. I graciously accept the award on behalf of my son Nicholas, our family as well as caregivers and their families from around the country. We are looking forward to an amazing day of men’s lacrosse competition in support of those affected by cancer. It truly is our honor and privilege to be able to serve so many through these very special events.” – Cheryl Colleluori, HF President and Nick’s Mom
For more information on the HEADstrong Foundation, please visit www.HEADstrong.org or follow on social @HEADstrongFnd.