The High Point University lacrosse team continued its work with Mason and The Friends of Jaclyn Murphy Foundation last weekend when Mason threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the HPU baseball game against Fairleigh Dickinson.

“The HPU family has made Mason feel really special,” said Mason's father Dave. “He has a lot of fun and enjoys himself at a time in his life when it might be hard for him to do that. I cannot say enough about [lacrosse coaches] Lyndsey Boswell and Whitney Michele and all of the incredibly friendly coaches at HPU that have been so nice to Mason and his brother, sister and me. I think the Friends of Jaclyn program is a great thing for the athletes and for Mason. Mason had a blast at the baseball game Saturday. He loves when I tell him I've talked to Lyndsey and there's a game coming up.”

Mason is the seven-year-old from Winston-Salem that the lacrosse team adopted through FOJ, which has helped children with pediatric cancer be a part of athletic teams over the past couple of years.

Mason was diagnosed with Anaplastic Ganglioglioma cancer, a rare brain tumor in September. He has since had two surgeries and is on his way to recovery.

“Mason did a great job throwing out the first pitch last weekend,” Boswell said. “It was nice to have the lacrosse team in the stands supporting him. I'm looking forward to having him on the sidelines next year at lacrosse games.”

Boswell and Michele adopted Mason in the fall and have taken him to women's soccer, men's basketball and baseball games. Next year when the lacrosse team is on campus they will take over the love and support that he will need.

About The Friends of Jaclyn Murphy Foundation:
The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation is inspired by Jaclyn Murphy, an 11 year old, who was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma, a malignant brain tumor, in March 2004. Jaclyn's strength and courage, relentless spirit, and joy for life are an inspiration to those who know her. When granted her "Make-A-Wish", Jaclyn asked, "for all the children in the hospitals to be healed."

Friends of Jaclyn is a charitable organization, created to raise public awareness regarding pediatric brain tumors. Funds will be used to offset medical expenses for children who are diagnosed with pediatric brain cancer, as well as donate contributions to charities that are specifically related to pediatric brain tumors. It is our goal for Jaclyn to be able to continue to touch people with her smile, her kind heart, her hope and faith that some day there will be a cure! In the meantime, it is our hope that through Jaclyn's example, we can help to improve the lives of other children and families dealing with pediatric cancer.