The Wolves are using their first week of practice to gear up for their fifth annual Football for a Cure this Saturday, 7 p.m.
Proceeds from the pre-season intrasquad scrimmage are used for the Clarkston community with services at McLaren Breast Cancer and McLaren Cancer Institute – Clarkston.
‘One hundred precent of the funds go back to McLaren cancer patients who are seen here at the cancer institute,? explained Deanna Hart from McLaren Cancer Institute.
The proceeds will help with transportation needs.
‘Without Football for a Cure we wouldn’t have the funds to purchase the gas cards to pay for private transportation,? Hart added. ‘It would not be an option for people who don’t have cars or family members or neighbors who can bring them.?
The money raised during the event will also be used for nutrition products and Meijer gift cards for food for those who cannot afford groceries because they have to purchase prescriptions. Many patients can’t feed their family because of medication costs.
‘It is a big thing when I can present them with a gift card for them and their family,? Hart explained.
The gridiron heroes trade their traditional blue and gold jerseys for baby blue and pink jerseys. Each Wolf will play for someone who has lost their battle with cancer, is currently fighting cancer or has won their battle.
For the football players it is also a big thing as they help not only loved ones but the community.
‘It is showing we are still fighting for those who are still here and those who have lost their fight,? added junior Jay Wright. ‘We are showing we haven’t forgotten about them.?
‘It’s affecting our community and everyone,? said senior Michael Yates. ‘It is about fighting back something devastating to families.?
‘We are not just conquering the disease individually with large donations,? added junior DJ Zezula. ‘We are coming together as a community to fight one cause. It’s great when everyone comes together to fight one thing.?
Hart added it is great to have the Wolves not play but raise money.
‘It is about love for the people you are playing for,? she said. ‘It is for their honor and their memory. Cancer does not discriminate. It affects the young and the old. It shows the community is embracing this awful disease and helping to support those who are fighting to win.?
This year’s event includes special guests Justin Klamerus, M.D., president and medical director of McLaren Cancer Institute; Dr. Stephen Franklin, radiation oncologist at McLaren Cancer Institute – Clarkston; and Trichia Johnston, a patient.
Football for a Cure is at Clarkston High School stadium, 6093 Flemings Lake Road. Kick off is at 7 p.m.T-shirts are available for $10. For information or to volunteer, emailClarkstonFootballforaCure@gmail.com.