The mission of the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation is to improve the quality of life for kids that are battling pediatric cancer and pediatric tumors. Tuesday afternoon, the Wallace softball and baseball teams joined the foundation in its efforts.
The Lady Govs and Govs officially adopted the Thomas Family of Clio. Currency, age 4, is currently battling pediatric cancer. Denis Murphy, the founder of Friends of Jaclyn (FOJ), said it took a "herculean effort" just for the family to make it to the ceremony. Earlier in the day, the family had to travel from the Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham because young Currency had chemo treatment one day earlier.
"We're focused on quality of life," Murphy said. "What can we do for kids today? A lot of these kids will never be on team because of the side effects of chemo and radiation. It's long lasting and devastating. So we pair them up with a team. The team gives them love, support and friendship. That's more powerful than any clinical trial drug, chemo or radiation. They get to feel normal for that brief time they are attending a game or practice before returning to what I call 'that beast' that is with them 24/7."
Murphy first got the idea for FOJ when his own daughter Jaclyn was diagnosed with a brain tumor when she was nine years old. During her treatment—and against doctor's advice—he took her to a Northwestern lacrosse game. Jaclyn was able to meet the team before the game, and she even got to ride on the team bus from their pregame dinner to the stadium. Basically, the team adopted her for that day. He recalls what a big smile Jaclyn had on her face, and it made her feel better than any medicine.
That started it all. Wallace is now the 1,010th team to adopt a child through FOJ. And they're not all athletic teams.
"We've branched out to arts and music because not every child likes sports," Murphy said. "The West Point parachute team adopted a child, as did the Yale Men's A cappella team. There isn't a team I won't find for a sick child. There's no chemotherapy or radiation treatment more powerful than love, support and friendship."
Jaclyn was nine years old when she was first diagnosed. She is now 29.
"That's the magic of Jaclyn. It puts a smile on faces. You never want to do what I do. I've got a ringside seat to human tragedy. But to make a child smile, even for a little while, is wonderful to see."
With his entire athletic department watching, coaches and athletes, Athletic Director Ryan Spry said today was special for Wallace Community College.
"The purpose of what we did today is to love on a little child who is going through a battle. We want her and her family to know there are folks in her corner - cheering for her, praying for her, supporting her and loving on her. This is just a small way we can positively affect her life, not only today but in the future as well."
As part of the special day, the Thomas family children took part in a signing ceremony officially recognizing Darius, Christian, and Cason as lifelong members of the Wallace athletic department. This also included young Currency and their mother Sheila.
.