GLASSBORO, NJ – While many college athletes go about their daily lives in the normal fashion, two teams at Rowan University have taken on a bigger responsibility, one that gives love, support and friendship to a child battling pediatric brain tumors.
This fall, the football and softball teams each adopted a child through the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation. A decision they made without hesitation. The foundation matches a child with a team in hopes of providing a network of friends for the child and a new lease on life for the players.
The softball team adopted two year old Thea Danze, the daughter of Rowan Alumni Trisha and Jeff Danze from Robbinsville, NJ. The football team adopted Luke DeFilippo, six, the son of Laura and Rick DeFilippo from Audubon, NJ.
The softball team officially welcomed Thea into the Rowan University family at an adoption ceremony held in Esby Gym. Friends, family and supporters sat in the bleachers while the team huddled on the gym floor in anticipation of their honorary teammate.
“We waited so long for this opportunity and for it to happen during my senior year is big for motivation and inspiration,” said senior Jenna DiDonato.
As Thea came walking into the gym, the girls cheered for her and she cheered back by raising her arms in excitement. With the girls circled around her she danced to the music and like any other child took in all the attention.
“We are all excited,” said freshman Lauren Davis. “It was great to finally get a chance to meet Thea face to face.”
The Rowan mascot, Whoo RU even took part in the ceremony. Thea enjoyed the bright yellow bird, she laughed as he ran around the gym. The girls also played pin the tail on the donkey and gave out presents which included Rowan softball gear.
“I think this will be good for the freshmen,” said senior Jamie Parks. “They will be able to grow as athletes with Thea. It will also make for a great season this year.”
The football teamed adopted Luke at a ceremony during preseason camp. What attracted the DeFilippo’s to the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation and Rowan University was their willingness to take on the whole family.
“Originally when the program started it was only for the child affected,” said Rick. “But since they have expanded it to the siblings it made more sense for us as a family.”
The program for the siblings is called “Safe on the Sidelines” and it involves the entire family. It allows the siblings to have their own team and to feel special and supported.
Rick and Laura have three other sons besides Luke, Peter (11), Caleb (13) and Aaron (17). All of them have been diagnosed with attention-deficit disorder (ADD). Aaron, who is looking to start college next fall, enjoys time spent with the team.
“It can get scary sometimes when he (Luke) gets real sick,” said Aaron. “You’re in the hospital and you don’t know what’s wrong with him, but I try to stay strong for my brother.”
The DeFilippo’s often visit the football team during practices and games. Before practice the players and coaches stop to say hello, they toss the football around and just catch up on things.
“What I hope this can do is prepare my athletes for adversity they may face in the future,” said Rowan University head football coach Jay Accorsi. “We all have bad days whether in school or on the field and this gets them thinking, things aren’t always as bad as they seem.”
Luke’s tumor was first discovered when he was fairly young during a routine MRI scan. In 2003 after having surgery, the doctors told the family that Luke had two months to two years to live. Now six, he takes chemotherapy treatment to help subdue the tumor in his brain.
“It’s good to share your experiences with others,” said Laura. “Luke may not get to live a full life, but he will definitely leave his mark through this program.”
The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation was inspired by Jaclyn Murphy. In 2004, she was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a malignant tumor. The Northwestern University women’s lacrosse team adopted Jaclyn in 2005 as an honorary team member.
She inspired the Wildcats through a perfect season which resulted in NU’s first national championship in 64 years. Now 15, Jaclyn wants others to know how the team atmosphere affected her quality of life and wanted others with brain tumors to have similar experiences.
Since then the organization has over 80 children adopted with over 200 sports teams anxiously waiting. They have children in 18 different types of sports all across the country.