DeMatha Catholic High School graduate Matt Miller, a standout lacrosse goalkeeper, is still battling testicular cancer and wants to raise awareness of the disease through the sport he loves.
by Aaron Grayagray@digitalsports.comHow would you play today ... if you can't play tomorrow?It's a very emotional question Matt Miller, a recent
DeMatha Catholic High School graduate and Bowie (Md.) resident, had to ask himself last November when the standout lacrosse goalkeeper found out he had testicular cancer. It's been a long battle to recovery the resilient 17-year-old still fights today. Click
here to read about his hard-fought journey.
Now his goal in life is to raise awareness for the disease. Along with his family and friends, Miller has helped create
MILLERSTRONG, an organization that has a mission to support teen and young adult cancer fighters through their treatment and beyond to survivorship. Along with "We Believe" Foundation Inc., their vision is to inspire, educate, connect and finance.
Testicular cancer is the No. 1 cancer for men 15 to 39 years old. Each year, approximately 7,000 to 8,000 new cases are diagnosed in the United States and about 400 men die. The number of new cases diagnosed annually in the United States has doubled among white men over the past two decades, the cause of which is unknown. The good news is that testicular cancer is one of the most curable forms of cancer.
This Sunday, the inaugural MILLERSTRONG Lacrosse Classic will be held at Crofton Park off Defense Highway from noon to 4 p.m. Click
here for driving directions.
The event will feature an exhibition game with professional and college lacrosse players. Advance tickets are $5 a person or $7 at the game. Donations and advanced ticket purchases can be made at www.millerstrong.com.
"We're trying to raise funds for five families that are battling cancer," said Alan Jacobson, Miller's stepfather. "It's going to be a real fun event and we're going to heighten awareness for cancer at the same time."
Division I college players from Johns Hopkins, Ohio State, Navy, Virginia, Drexel, Hofstra, UMBC, Maryland, Notre Dame, Brown, Yale, Fairfield and more will be on display. They will all play in a prolonged game with donated sticks and helmets that will be auctioned off later that day, just one of many fund-raising events that will occur. Each head will have a Young Cancer Warrior's name in it.
"The event is shaping up to be a huge success," South River High School assistant lacrosse coach Greg Speed said.
Kids of all ages will have the opportunity to play during the game, via raffle tickets. Paul Rabil (Johns Hopkins), Thomas Alford (Maryland),
Nick Elsmo (Virginia) and Jack Walsh (Brown) are just a few players that will be on the field.
"As the game goes on, we'll auction off helmets and sticks," Jacobson said. "What's very unique is that we'll have a raffle for kids to actually get on the field and play with these guys. It's going to be amazing experience for everyone involved."
Family fun activities include a lacrosse speed shot, moon bounce, autographs, face painting and great food. Music will be provided by "DJ Trinidad."
Over $5,000 in prizes will be raffled off including a weekend Eastern Shore getaway, limo service for a night out, four-star dinners and golf foursomes. Many more prizes will be given out by WARRIOR, LAXWORLD, the Baltimore Ravens, the Baltimore Orioles and Personal Fitness Training along with gift cards from Sports Authority, Target, Michaels, Applebee's, Chevy's and more.
For more information, call (301) 641-4283 or visit the MILLERSTRONG
website.