A letter from Matt Lampson: 10 Years Cancer-Free
There are moments in life that change one’s trajectory. I am sure that you have had those moments as well. For me, that moment came when I was diagnosed with cancer in 2007, on the eve of my high school graduation.
Another defining moment came when I decided to use the lessons of cancer to create a foundation hoping to inspire children and young adults battling cancer to not give up on their dreams and to continue fighting for their lives. This year the LampStrong Foundation turns 6, and I am extremely proud of what we have achieved. Since its inception, the LampStrong Foundation has:
Hosted over 100 Heroes and their families to MLS games all across the United States and Canada;
Donated $20,000 to Lurie Children’s Hospital to create one-of-a-kind, individualized fitness programs for adolescent young adults recovering from cancer;
Hosted a Kick Cancer Cup in which participants got to play a match among some of their soccer idols at a Major League Soccer Stadium; and;
Hosted numerous Heroes and their families to one-on-one events, such as visits to Shedd Aquarium;
This foundation started from my desire as a 17-year-old to make the lives of cancer patients a little better. There was no trust fund and no major donors, but the work that we do has positively impacted the lives of children and families, which is evidenced by our modest but steady growth over the years.
This month I celebrated my 10-year cancer-free anniversary on September 24, I am writing to ask you to help me continue with our mission by becoming a LampStrong sponsor or renewing your support. The work that our foundation does has been recognized with important accolades, such being awarded Major League Soccer Humanitarian of the Year Award. But it is messages such as the below that inspire me to continue with our important work.
I hope you will join me in helping me ensure that young cancer patients have inspiration to continue fighting and fitness programs that will enable them to get back shape after their arduous fight with cancer.
Please consider sending a tax-deductible donation to the LampStrong Foundation so we can continue our mission. Click here to make a donation today!
With gratitude,
Matt Lampson
President
LampStrong Foundation, Inc.
Chicago Fire SC #28
