The sixth edition of Kick Childhood Cancer, an MLS WORKS initiative, is underway, and teams around the league have been busy in the community. Below you can find the latest efforts from MLS and its teams during childhood cancer awareness month, benefitting Children's Oncology Group.
Previous updates:
Atlanta United
Five Stripes players visited with patients and their families while playing card games at Children's Egleston Hospital.
Columbus Crew SC
The Crew hosted a Kick Childhood Cancer Fantasy Camp for 150 pediatric cancer survivors at MAPFRE Stadium on Sept. 3. The camp featured Columbus first-team players giving pointers, handing out goodies, and offering support.
FC Cincinnati
FC Cincinnati have been busy during Kick Childhood Cancer month. On Saturday, they hosted Cancer Free Kids as their community partner during their match against Toronto FC at Nippert Stadium. Cancer survivors participated in a shootout with Gary the Lion, FC Cincy's mascot, and Cancer Free Kids' mascot.
In addition, on Sept. 5 FC Cincinnati players visited Cancer Free Kids supporters at Braxton Brewing.
FC Dallas
FC Dallas recently auctioned off autographed and worn Kick Childhood Cancer training tops from their Aug. 31 game, with all proceeds benefitting the Children's Cancer Fund.
Minnesota United
The Loons, like other teams, have installed yellow nets to raise awareness for Kick Childhood Cancer.
Minnesota defender Ike Opara also participated in a Minnesota sportsperson press conference held for children at University of Minnesota Children's Hospital on Sept. 4.
New England Revolution
Revolution players visited Binkeez for Comfort headquarters to learn about the making of Binkeez blankets, which are donated to families impacted by childhood cancer, on Sept. 3.
NYCFC
The Cityzens are recognizing community partner Hope and Heroes by welcoming former patients and staff to every home game in September for an on-field presentation, including Saturday's game against New England at Yankee Stadium.
Orlando City
The local beneficiary for the Lions' match on Saturday was Orlando Health and the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. Orlando City introduced a Starting XI Against Cancer as part of their pregame announcements, honoring 11 children who are currently battling cancer or in remission.
Seattle Sounders
The Sounders hosted a special training session with over 100 youth battling cancer and their families, on Sept. 4.
Coming up
The Colorado Rapids have named Reyna Rosenbeck, a patient at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children, to be their “Kid Captain” for their Kick Childhood Cancer Night on Sept. 11. The Chicago Fire will host Kick Childhood Cancer night on Sept. 14, FC Dallas will participate in the Pulling Together event, a "Texas-sized tug-of-war" match, on Sept. 14, and families affected by childhood cancer will get to watch pregame warmups on the bench for the Portland Timbers game on Sept. 15.
For a detailed breakdown of all MLS teams' activations throughout the month, click here.
