Adolescent Cancer Foundation: Welcome

 Harford and Cecil County Communities Rally Support for Two Young Women from Baltimore High Schools

Adolescent Cancer Foundation Presents All-Star Soccer Game as Teams and Communities Unite For A Cause 

[Bel Air, Maryland] – Keeley Imel, a freshman at Seton Keough High School, was diagnosed this summer with Medulla Blastoma, a cancer of the brain. Since her diagnosis, Keeley has undergone surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital and is currently at St Jude’s Cancer Center for Children in Memphis TN, where she is receiving the most successful treatment available.  

On September 25, Brandy Foehrkolb, a freshman at The Catholic High School of Baltimore was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma She has had two surgeries, lots of test, and is currently receiving chemotherapy. Physically she is a very strong girl and doing well. Thanks to all of the support from her family, her friends, the community, and the wonderful staff at Johns Hopkins she is also doing great emotionally.

On Tuesday, November 20th, 2007, local high school teams will honor these young women by converging on the field at Harford Community College and strapping on their shin guards for a soccer benefit competition.  The “Independently We Compete, United We Stand” fundraiser will benefit these two young women’s recovery and help fund medical costs.

Keeley has been involved in club soccer including the Baltimore Bays, club basketball and club lacrosse, which have prepared her for her long but most successful battle yet, facing a hardship that no one or family could ever imagine.  Keeley’s mother, Judi, father, Jamie, and sister, Maura, appreciate all of the support and prayers that are offered.

Brandy plays soccer on her high school varsity team as well as for the Baltimore Bays. She lives in Baltimore with her parents, Andy and Sandy Foehrkolb, and two older brothers, Randy and Ryan. She attended Our Lady of Fatima School through 8th grade. She has played soccer, first with the BFC Fuego, then continuing with the same team as it changed names through the years -- Baltimore Bays Gold and now Bays 93. She also played for Our Lady of Fatima and made the varsity team at Catholic as a freshman this year. Her nickname on the soccer field is "Money" because of her consistent play and goal-scoring ability.  Brandy’s family is extremely grateful and thankful for the outpouring of support and can’t wait to get back on the field.

Gary Lynch, John Carroll’s Varsity Women’s Soccer Coach, adds, "The biggest thing is that these women just know that people are supporting them."   Baltimore, Harford and Cecil County communities are encouraged to come out and show their support for these two women, who along with their families are facing an ongoing battle.  It is also the hope of this benefit to raise awareness on how important it is to be a part of other people's struggles so that we never believe there's nothing we can do as individuals and as a community.   

A total of 14 teams from the Upper Chesapeake Bay Athletic Conference (UCBAC) will be participating and include:  John Carroll, Edgewood, Joppatowne, Fallston, North Harford, Perryville, Aberdeen, Harford Tech, North East, Bo Manor, Elkton, Bel Air, Rising Sun, Havre de Grace,  and C. Milton Wright.   The match will serve as a great venue for the boys and girls to play one last time together and against players they've grown up with over the past few years, and for a good cause.  There will be a parade of players at the very beginning with the Color Guard from APG. 

Gates will open at 5:30PM followed by a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 6PM at Harford Community College.  A senior boy’s soccer match and women’s match will begin at 6:30PM and 8PM, respectively and include representation from players in Harford and Cecil counties.  Harford Community College is located at 401 Thomas Run Road, Bel Air, Maryland 21015 (adjacent to Route 22).  Admission price is $5 per person and can be purchased at the gate located behind the bleachers of the field.

Sponsors for the event include: Baltimore Blast; Chic-Fil-A, York Road; Chesapeake Senior Solutions; Chesapeake Sports Solutions; Classic Team Sports; Crystal Palace USA; DC United; DJ Hangman; Edy’s; Green Turtle; Harford Community College; John L Lynch Agency, LLC; Johnsonville Brats; Washington Freedom; PS Graphics; Sportline Sport; The John Carroll School.  A silent auction will also be part of the festivities. 

Green Turtle restaurant in Bel Air will donate 10% of your check to the Adolescent Cancer Foundation.  This offer is only valid on November 20^th and with a coupon. 

Donations can be made to the Adolescent Cancer Foundation, c/o John L Lynch Agency, 11832 Belair Road, Kingsville, MD  21087. 

For benefit information or if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for this worthwhile community benefit, please contact: Gary Lynch, John Carroll Varsity Women's Soccer Coach, 410-668-6734 or email coachgarylynch@yahoo.com ; Hope Lookingland:443-616-7423 or email soc7714@aol.com; Media Contact:  Elaine Orbino, 410-569-5083 or email jorbino@comcast.net