
Carolina Soccer Kicks Childhood Cancer
September 1, 2019 | Men's Soccer, Women's Soccer, Student-Athlete Development, Carolina Outreach
CHAPEL HILL --- The University of North Carolina men's and women's soccer teams are joining forces this September to raise money to support the UNC Lineberger pediatric hematology/oncology clinic. The Carolina Soccer Kicks Childhood Cancer fundraising campaign will culminate with the women's game vs. NC State on September 26 dedicated to pediatric cancer and a check presentation at the men's game vs. Duke on September 27.
Anyone interested in supporting this incredible fundraising effort can visit give.classy.org/uncsoccerkickscancer to donate. Each member of the men's and women's soccer teams will have an individual fundraising page with an overall goal of raising $15,000 to support UNC Lineberger.
The funds raised will be used to help patients and their families with non-medical needs like parking and gas cards. They will also support the child-life specialists who work with families to provide services such as:
• Preparation and support before, during and after medical procedures
• Pain-management techniques
• Medical and recreational play
• Kid-friendly explanation of medical terminology
• Education on coping skills
• Assisting patients on returning to school
For more information, contact Elizabeth Rubio at UNC Lineberger (elizabeth_rubio@med.unc.edu) or Korie Sawyer Rich at UNC Athletics (kcsawyer@unc.edu).
QUOTES
"Being at UNC and an athlete here, we have a great opportunity to actually make an impact on the patients." - Taylor Otto, UNC women's soccer junior midfielderÂ
"I think it's a really special opportunity to have here at UNC. I really wanted to do something like this and I thought this was something great that we could all try to do together." - Mauricio Pineda, UNC men's soccer senior midfielder
"I'm just so thankful for the relationship that we've built with the UNC athletes. It makes my day to see them come and visit our patients and families and how much joy that brings them." - Meghan Fox, psychosocial support coordinator and child life specialist for the Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology at the N.C. Cancer Hospital
"Carolina is an amazing place. I think what the athletes' involvement with the cancer hospital demonstrates is that there's really one Carolina here." - Dr. Patrick Thompson, professor and program director, UNC Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Fellowship
Anyone interested in supporting this incredible fundraising effort can visit give.classy.org/uncsoccerkickscancer to donate. Each member of the men's and women's soccer teams will have an individual fundraising page with an overall goal of raising $15,000 to support UNC Lineberger.
The funds raised will be used to help patients and their families with non-medical needs like parking and gas cards. They will also support the child-life specialists who work with families to provide services such as:
• Preparation and support before, during and after medical procedures
• Pain-management techniques
• Medical and recreational play
• Kid-friendly explanation of medical terminology
• Education on coping skills
• Assisting patients on returning to school
For more information, contact Elizabeth Rubio at UNC Lineberger (elizabeth_rubio@med.unc.edu) or Korie Sawyer Rich at UNC Athletics (kcsawyer@unc.edu).
QUOTES
"Being at UNC and an athlete here, we have a great opportunity to actually make an impact on the patients." - Taylor Otto, UNC women's soccer junior midfielderÂ
"I think it's a really special opportunity to have here at UNC. I really wanted to do something like this and I thought this was something great that we could all try to do together." - Mauricio Pineda, UNC men's soccer senior midfielder
"I'm just so thankful for the relationship that we've built with the UNC athletes. It makes my day to see them come and visit our patients and families and how much joy that brings them." - Meghan Fox, psychosocial support coordinator and child life specialist for the Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology at the N.C. Cancer Hospital
"Carolina is an amazing place. I think what the athletes' involvement with the cancer hospital demonstrates is that there's really one Carolina here." - Dr. Patrick Thompson, professor and program director, UNC Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Fellowship
Players Mentioned
UNC Football: Tar Heels Overpower Richmond, 41-6
Sunday, September 14
UNC Players Press Conference, Post-Richmond
Sunday, September 14
Bill Belichick Post-Richmond Press Conference, 9/13/25
Sunday, September 14
UNC Men's Soccer: Sandmeyer Secures 1-1 Draw vs #4 Wake Forest
Saturday, September 13