In one of the first Virginia High School League (VHSL) sanctioned lacrosse games on the school’s home field, both CHS and Princess Anne High School (PA) girls’ lacrosse teams helped those struggling with cancer as they competed for the win last night.

The teams were asked by Go4theGoal, a non-profit organization that, according to its website, focuses on [improving] the lives of children battling cancer by providing financial support, developing and implementing unique hospital programs, funding innovative research, and granting personal wishes, to determine if the two schools had an interest in hosting a ‘Lace Up For Pediatric Cancer’ game.  After both teams agreed to participate, each wore golden laces to shine a light on and raise money to fight against this type of cancer.

Girls lacrosse coach and Special Education teacher Mrs. Keating took the lead for the important cause as one of her close friends had a child who had sadly passed away from pediatric cancer. Keating jumped at the opportunity to do anything she could to help families and the community.

According to cancer.gov, pediatric cancer, is a type of cancer diagnosed in kids between the ages of newborn – 14, is a rare disease, with about 15,000 cases diagnosed annually in the United States in individuals younger than 20 years.

Of the $5 spent by both teams to buy a pair of laces, $4 will go to the children fighting this cancer and their families. Donations were also taken at the concession stand to later be sent to Go4theGoal.

“Giving back, even by just wearing gold laces, is the best way to grow as an athlete and as a human,” Keating said. “Playing for the Cox lacrosse team is about more than wins and losses. We want to train these players to work hard and to use their skills and talents to make a difference and be better people at the end of the day.”