CLEVELAND – University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital and Ireland Cancer Center are teaming up to host Running for the Goal: Kids Kicking Cancer for the second time at Lost Nation Sports Park on Thursday, July 26th from 9:15a.m. – 1:30 p.m. This event, held exclusively for cancer patients at Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, will feature Hector Marinaro, professional soccer player and former member of the Cleveland Force, and Ali Kazemaini, member of the 1984 US Olympic Soccer Team.
“The purpose of this event is to encourage cancer patients to be active and to recognize the health benefits of physical activity,” said Lisa Vitkus, director of Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital Center for Survivors of Childhood Cancer. “Many of these kids struggle with their recovery and have a hard time getting active again. We want to encourage them and support them in these efforts.”
“Statistics show that regular physical activity can improve survivors’ physical capacity and reduce their fatigue levels,” said Chad Jacobsen, MD, pediatric hematology/oncology at Rainbow. “And this event is a great way to interact with our patients in a fun, relaxed environment outside of the hospital.”
The soccer clinic will feature:
- 9:15-11:20 a.m. – Soccer skills stations, 3-on-3 games, “Kick a Goal Past Your Nurse or Doctor”
- 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Lunch
- 12:30-1:30 p.m. – Free play time on the field for patients and families
The activities are designed for kids of all ages, skill levels and physical abilities. Kids both on and off-treatment will participate.
“We have about 30-40 kids registered to participate, ranging in age from 4 to 16” said Vitkus. “Our whole Rainbow team – doctors, nurses, therapists, residents and everyone – will be on-hand and interacting with the kids.”
“This event not only helps the kids physically, but also emotionally,” said Dr. Leigh Josie, PhD, psychologist specializing in pediatric oncology patients at the Ireland Cancer Center. “They get to be carefree for the day. It’s all about the kids getting out there and enjoying themselves, building confidence in their physical abilities and interacting with each other.”
The event is free of charge for patients, and is made possible by a generous gift from Mrs. Iris Wolstein in memory of her husband Bert L. Wolstein. Participants will receive a t-shirt, shin guards and soccer ball.