Скачать или смотреть MCWS Teams Rally for Pediatric Brain Cancer via Team Jack Foundatio

Amid the pursuit of a national title at the College World Series, two teams are using their time in Omaha to spotlight something far more important than baseball: the fight against pediatric brain cancer.

UCLA and Coastal Carolina have partnered with the Nebraska-based Team Jack Foundation to raise awareness for the leading cause of cancer-related death in children in the United States.

“Our goal was to raise awareness and support the fight against pediatric brain cancer in any way possible,” UCLA head coach John Savage said in a statement. “Partnering with the Team Jack Foundation allowed us to use our platform to make a meaningful difference.”

The nonprofit organization is named after Jack Hoffman, a young Nebraska football fan who became a national inspiration in 2013 when he ran for a 69-yard touchdown during the Huskers’ spring game while battling brain cancer. Jack passed away in January after more than a decade fighting the disease. His father, Andy Hoffman, also died from brain cancer in 2021.

As part of the awareness campaign, UCLA players were seen wearing gold wristbands and other Team Jack gear during warmups. Coastal Carolina plans to do the same during Sunday night’s winner’s bracket game against Oregon State.

“It means the world to us,” said Kylie Nemetz of the Team Jack Foundation. “Research is underfunded, and it’s heartbreaking to see kids go through treatments that aren’t good enough. These teams are helping us change that.”

According to the American Cancer Society, brain and central nervous system tumors are now the deadliest form of cancer among U.S. children, claiming roughly 450 lives each year. Yet pediatric cancer research receives less than 4% of federal cancer funding.

This is not the first time Coastal Carolina has supported the cause. The Chanticleers wore Team Jack shirts during their 2016 national championship run. Vanderbilt followed suit in 2021, donning “Twice the Fight” shirts in support of both Jack and Andy Hoffman, who were undergoing treatment at the time.

“By raising awareness and getting the shirts and wristbands out there, people start to ask questions,” Nemetz said. “And then maybe they look us up and realize we’re working hard to make a difference for these kids — and will continue to do so.”

For more information or to donate, visit TeamJackFoundation.org.