Cadets Held Malia Crushes Cancer Fundraiser

NORTHFIELD, Vt. – The Norwich University men’s soccer team will be holding a fundraiser on Sunday, April 29 for the Malia Crushes Cancer campaign at the NU football field track from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Malia Jusczyk is a 3 ½-year-old that has a very aggressive childhood cancer known as stage IV neuroblastoma.

The fundraiser is a competition featuring a prize for the top individual male, female and faculty member/coach that can complete the most laps in one hour.

The individual who completes the most laps in each category will receive a Cancer Crushing T-shirt. All entrants will receive a pink cancer crushing bracelet with entry.

The entry fee is $5 and donations are appreciated.

The Norwich men’s soccer team first heard about Malia through assistant coach Eric Nordenson. Nordenson met Malia’s father, Glen, in 1996 when he was a senior at Northeastern University, while Nordenson served on the coaching staff.

Glen and Nordenson have stayed in contact over the years and Coach Nord was made aware of Malia’s diagnosis as it became known.

“We made the decision this spring to follow and support Malia and the Jusczyk family,” Norwich head coach Kyle Dezotell said. “Our players have been incredible about getting behind Malia and we have tried to do as much as we can to help. We have sold pink and yellow Malia Crushes Cancer bracelets, we have spread the word about Malia and her fight on Facebook: Norwich University Golden Goals and Twitter: @NorwichMSoccer.” 

Dezotell said the NU men’s soccer team has already donated over $350 and hopes to donate another $2,000-$4,000. 

“Malia has provided incredible inspiration and motivation to our players and our spring season,” he said. “When the players face a tough day at practice they only have to think of Malia and what she is going through to gain an excellent perspective on how fortunate we actually are.”

Malia’s father, Glen, also made up gold jerseys for the Cadets to wear in their upcoming spring tournament on Saturday, April 28, with Malia’s website on them.

“I am very proud of how much our players have got behind Malia and are really pulling for this incredible little girl and have been willing and motivated to do anything they can to help”.

Should anyone wish to contribute, visit www.maliacrushescancer.com or contact Coach Kyle Dezotell atkdezotel@norwich.edu .