Brookhaven, NY- After watching a team known for
their unyielding defense and quick attackmen walk over their
opponent in an important conference match, it's hard to imagine
them having anything other than a tough as nails attitude.
However, the 34 members of the Dowling Men's Lacrosse team once
again proved they're more than just a hardened group of student
athletes as they officially adopted a child through the Friends of
Jaclyn Foundation this past Saturday.
Started in 2005, Friends of Jaclyn is designed to improve the lives
of children with pediatric brain tumors by pairing them up with a
local college or high school sports team. After the initial
"adoption" the child and their family attends practices, meets the
team, and cheers them on at the games all while forming a special
bond with the group that adopted them.
With a long waiting list of teams looking to adopt a child for this
special cause, Dowling got lucky and was told their name came up to
adopt a local child through the Foundation, a first for any
Division II program. The Golden Lions soon found out the
newest member of their team would be Cameron Riccomini, a 7 year
old boy from Sayville, NY who was diagnosed with Chordoma, a very
rare form of cancer, in 2008. Cameron and his mother thank
the team for their efforts.
The team was elated upon hearing the news that they were chosen to
adopt Cameron, including junior midfielder PJ Nunez
(Glenn Head, NY). "We were surprised to hear that, even with
the long waiting list of teams looking to adopt through the Friends
of Jaclyn Program, Dowling Lacrosse was fortunate enough to be
picked." Said Nunez. "All of us couldn't wait to have him
come to our practices and games so we could meet him."
Soon after, the team finally got to meet Cameron and his brother,
Conor, as they came down to one of the practices being held at
Golden Lions Field. The two boys were quickly handed lacrosse
sticks and started practicing with the team! "Hey, if you're
going to be a part of this team you need to practice with us too!"
Exclaimed Nunez.
Saturday finally rolled around as Cameron, his brother, and mom
showed up to Dowling to see their first lacrosse game at Golden
Lions Field. The two boys joined the team on the sidelines
for the whole game, handing out water to the players and joining in
on the celebrations as Dowling cruised to a 21-8 victory over ECC
foe Molloy College. After the game, everyone gathered at the
traditional lacrosse tailgate near the field to listen to Denis
Murphy, founder of the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, speak to and
thank everyone for their continued support of the cause.
Nunez and the team would then present Cameron and Conor with
Dowling Lacrosse gear including hats and shirts, taking a moment
out to have a final team huddle of the day with both boys in the
middle as the newest members of the Golden Lions.
"As a team our goal is to win a National Championship, but
participating in an important cause like the Friends of Jaclyn
really puts things into perspective." Said head coach Tim
Boyle. "We're extremely proud to have Cameron and his family
on the team."
Dowling Lacrosse continues to send Cameron and his family messages
and well wishes on his caringbridge.org guestbook, updating the
Riccomini's on their progress throughout the season as well.
For more information on the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation and to
learn more about Cameron and his story, please visit the following
links:
www.careingbridge.org
www.friendsofjaclyn.org
-Provided by Dowling Sports Information department.
