Rowan Teams Help Kids with Cancer

Members of the Rowan football team with six-year-old Luke DeFilippo and his family

While many college athletes go about their daily lives in the normal fashion, two Rowan University teams have taken on a bigger responsibility, one that gives love, support and friendship to a child battling brain cancer.

This fall, the football and softball teams each adopted a child through the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, an organization that matches sick children with college teams to provide a network of friends for the child and a source of pride and inspiration for the players.

The softball team adopted two-year-old Thea Danze, the daughter of Rowan alumni Trisha and Jeff Danze of Robbinsville. The football team adopted Luke DeFilippo, six, the son of Laura and Rick DeFilippo of Audubon.

The softball team officially welcomed Thea into the Rowan University family at an adoption ceremony held in Esby Gym. Friends, family and supporters sat in the bleachers while the team huddled on the gym floor in anticipation of their honorary teammate.

"We waited so long for this opportunity and for it to happen during my senior year is big for motivation and inspiration," said senior Jenna DiDonato.

The athletes cheered as Thea entered the gym and she cheered back, raising her arms in excitement. With the players around her, Thea danced, smiled and reveled in the attention.

"We are all excited," said freshman Lauren Davis. "It was great to finally get a chance to meet Thea."

The football teamed adopted Luke at a ceremony during preseason camp. What attracted the DeFilippos to the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation and Rowan University was their willingness to take on the whole family.

"Originally the program was only for the child affected," said Rick DeFilippo. "But since they have expanded it to the siblings it made more sense for us as a family."

The program for the siblings is called "Safe on the Sidelines" and it involves the entire family. It allows the siblings to have their own team and to feel special and supported.

"It can get scary sometimes when Luke gets real sick," said Aaron, one of Luke's three older brothers. "You're in the hospital and you don't know what's wrong with him but I try to stay strong for my brother."

The DeFilippos often visit the football team during practices and games. Before practice the players and coaches stop to say hello, toss the football around and catch up on things.

The Rowan softball team with two-year-old Thea Danze and her mother, Trisha

"What I hope this can do is prepare my athletes for adversity they may face in the future," said Rowan head football coach Jay Accorsi. "We all have bad days whether in school or on the field and this gets them thinking things aren't always as bad as they seem."

Luke's tumor was discovered in 2003 and, following surgery, doctors told the family he had no more than two years to live. Now six, he's on chemotherapy to help control the tumor.

"It's good to share your experiences with others," said his mother, Laura. "Luke may not get to live a full life, but he will definitely leave his mark through this program."

The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation was inspired by Jaclyn Murphy. In 2004, she was diagnosed with a malignant tumor. The Northwestern University women's lacrosse team adopted Jaclyn in 2005 as an honorary team member.

Jaclyn inspired the Wildcats through a perfect season that resulted in Northwestern's first national championship in 64 years. Now 15, Jaclyn wants others to know how the team atmosphere affected her quality of life and hopes others with brain tumors have similar experiences.