By: PR Fueled
When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the world is turned upside down overnight. Long hospital stays, intense treatments, and isolation from friends can take a major toll. Finding motivation during this difficult journey can feel nearly impossible at times.
That’s where Cancer Kickers comes in.
Founded in 2016 by Chris and Michelle Clothier, this innovative nonprofit provides custom soccer kits and an online community to children with cancer across the globe. Through the power of sport and human connection, Cancer Kickers helps its “teammates” stay active and motivated as they battle a tough opponent.
The Power of Play
Childhood should be defined by playgrounds, not hospital beds. As parents themselves, Chris and Michelle Clothier envisioned bringing comfort to children faced with cancer when they started Cancer Kickers as a family passion project in 2016. This grassroots effort has developed into a 501c3 nonprofit organization now serving over 2,500 young patients across 50 states and 23 countries.
By providing each child a soccer kit and welcoming them as “teammates,” Cancer Kickers leverages compassion, community and the power of sport to deliver inspiration. Kids can get active or just imagine scoring goals when stuck in treatment. Either way, Cancer Kickers sparks smiles when joy seems in short supply.
“Exercise and human connection are so vital when you’re fighting cancer,” Chris Clothier explains. “Our program allows kids to focus on fun instead of illness – even if just for a little while.”
By providing each child with an official soccer jersey and ball, Cancer Kickers makes them honorary teammates united in beating cancer. Kids can run around the yard with siblings, kick goals, or even just walk laps around the living room when they’re stuck at home or in the hospital.
The ability to play offers physical and mental reprieve during long days of procedures and treatments. Whether they actually play soccer or not, the kit itself sparks imagination and morale.
The Power of Connection
But Cancer Kickers provides more than just cool gear. It links children to an online team of supporters across the globe.
Once a child is nominated to the program, their personal jersey is customized with their name and favorite number and then shipped free of charge.
Online profiles allow teammates to learn each other’s stories and progress, fostering camaraderie and understanding. Children realize they aren’t alone on this difficult path. A sense of community from peers who “get it” provides invaluable comfort.
The Cancer Kickers also utilizes its social media platforms to spotlight different teammates each week. These posts spread awareness for pediatric cancer while making each child feel special and supported. Comments from followers deliver virtual hugs when in-person contact is limited.
Kicking In Support
While Cancer Kickers started small in 2016, it has grown exponentially year after year, largely thanks to grassroots support. As both a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Cancer Kickers prides itself on transparency and community service.
The organization uses 100% of donations to create and deliver kits while running general operations through earned income, sponsorships, and volunteers. This allows maximum impact for every dollar contributed.
Donated funds provide reliable budgeting and go directly to funding materials and shipping costs to send gear globally.
Cancer Kickers also welcomes assistance spreading awareness about its mission. Followers can share social media posts as well as nominate children they know who could benefit from joining the team. Teachers, coaches, medical staff, parents, and other community members all play a role in helping identify ideal candidates.
For the Clothiers, every ounce of support means the world.
“Our teammates inspire me daily with their strength and resilience,” Michelle Clothier notes. “It’s an honor to cheer them on as loud as we can – both on and off the soccer field.”
Together, the Cancer Kickers team is building a compassionate global community while also finding kicks, laughs, and light amid childhood cancer battles. And that’s certainly a goal worth pursuing at any age.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
