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February 5, 2019
Please join us for our next Brown Bag Lunch on Tuesday, February 5, at noon. Our guest speaker will be Cheryl Colleluori, CEO of the HEADstrong Foundation.
The HEADstrong Foundation was founded by Nick Colleluori, who passed away from cancer at age 21. He was a college student at the time, attending Hofstra on a lacrosse scholarship. During his treatments, Nick took note of resources that were lacking for cancer patients and the families who are all affected. His dying wish was that his family do everything they could to perpetuate his visionso that others could benefit from his life. Today, his mother Cheryl heads the Foundation. Based in Delaware County, HEADstrong offers financial, residential, and emotional support to families affected by cancer. Cheryl was recently presented the Community Quarterbacks Award by the Philadelphia Eagles for the relentless work in improving the lives of cancer patients. St. Francis member Jill Quinn met Cheryl during her son Jeff's illness, and following his death has become a very active volunteer.
One of the most important resources provided by HEADstrong is housing for families who must travel more than 50 miles to Philadelphia for specialized cancer treatment and/or clinical trials. Nick's House, located in Swarthmore, is a beautifully restored home which can accommodate up to six families at a time free of charge. Patients include children as well as adults. Most are outpatients (e.g. recovering from stem cell transplant, receiving proton radiation therapy), however families may also stay while their loved one is in the hospital for treatment.
In addition to housing, HEADstrong also offers peer-to-peer support, distributes comfort kits, and coordinates social activities for patients during their hospital stay. Each Thanksgiving Day, a full Turkey dinner is served at UPenn for all cancer patients and their families. Funds are raised through donations, special events (Limelight Gala, 5K, Golf Outing), and through the efforts of many college lacrosse athletes nationwide in Nick's memory.
Bring your lunch and join us! Drinks, snacks and dessert will be provided.