We started our journey with Go4theGoal to give our local high school kids the chance to give something to the medical community that was positive and tangible in doing good for the many peers having dealt or dealing with the cancer fight. Lodi High School Boys Basketball organized and carried out an outstanding fundraiser to benefit our local UC Davis Childress Hospital. Along the way one of their own coaches sons and teammates brother was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer. Their fight was brought to their home court and these boys took it head on. With the help and direction from Karen and her team at Go4theGoal our team and high school benefitted from lacing up to make a difference for AJ and other kids at UC Davis. It was a honor to join this organization and proud doesn’t even express how we feel about our Lodi High School students and athletes. Thank you for the opportunity to join in and do something amazing!
Karen Flint (an incredibly dedicated woman) at Go4theGoal reached out to me this past summer to participate in "Lace Up 4 Pediatric Cancer," and I couldn't think of a better way to funnel our efforts into such a worthy cause. To impact another person's life, a family's life, in such a meaningful way was truly inspiring and beautiful. Today's youth are incredibly sympathetic and in tune to the needs of others, as is evidenced by the outpouring of support by their loved ones and friends.
It was an honor to "lace up" for our volleyball match and show our support and love for these children and their families. My volleyball program and I fully intend to work with Go4theGoal again next year. The work they do is important, worthy of our attention, and deserving of our support.
Thank you for the opportunity to help these families.
Coach Stack
For the 2nd year, our school softball and baseball teams spent the day in GOLD laced cleats. Bringing awareness and raising money for pediatric cancer is close to my heart and Go4TheGoal has been able to incorporate the power of team sports and community to raise funds for the great kids and families in our areas. Nick K. at Go4TheGoal has been wonderful to deal with and super encouraging and accommodating in publicizing our not-so-small (anymore) event. Now, our entire school and local community look forward to a Saturday in May, when all their players will be rocking GOLD laces.
I first got connected with Go4theGoal when my student who recently graduated from Jackson Liberty HS was diagnosed with bone cancer back on Christmas Eve. Her aunt is in the medical field and knew someone who was connected with them. Within a day, I heard from Beth Stefanacci and from our telephone conversation I could tell how much they wanted to help our student. In the next few days, Go4theGoal donated a new laptop which thrilled my student. In the weeks to follow, Beth took the time to travel all the way to Jackson to meet with me and a few colleagues about ways we could fundraise to help our student. The compassion and enthusiasm Beth showed was truly amazing and I am so glad I got to meet her. She sent us bracelets and gold colored shoe laces that were able to use to raise money.
Later on in the spring, Go4theGoal arranged for our student to throw out the first pitch at the Lakewood Blue Claws minor league baseball game. Beth and her staff are amazing and we are so appreciative of their efforts. They have made a difference and we will always be grateful.
Gregg Patterson
Guidance Counselor
Jackson Liberty HS (NJ)
Review from Guidestar