Shelton State Community College Athletics to “Adopt” Student Through Friends of Jaclyn Foundation

September 19, 2023 – In cooperation with the nationwide Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, Shelton State Community College (SSCC) Athletics will “adopt” and honor Kaiden Abston at a special ceremony on Monday, September 25 at 1:00 p.m. in the Martin Campus Gymnasium.  The event is open to the public and members of the media.

The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation improves the quality of life for children with pediatric brain tumors and their families by pairing them with college and high school athletic teams. The teams give these children love, support, and friendship as they fight devastating disease. This greatly improves the quality of life for children with brain tumors, as well as those who support them.

The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation began following 9-year-old Jaclyn Murphy’s diagnosis of a medulloblastoma, a malignant brain tumor, in 2004. In 2005, Jaclyn became connected to and later adopted as an honorary member of Northwestern University’s Women’s lacrosse team. Jaclyn’s strength, courage, relentless spirit, and joy for life inspired the players. As a result of this relationship, Jaclyn shared a big dream with her father – she wanted other children with pediatric brain tumors to have the similar experiences of being an honorary team member. In 2005, The Murphy Family started the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation to make this dream a reality.

“Being able to do something special for Kaiden and his family is truly an honor, and we are grateful for the opportunity provided through the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation,” shared Cara Crosslin, SSCC’s Athletics Director. “We look forward to supporting Kaiden as he continues in his battle with cancer, and we will do all we can to encourage him through this journey.”

For more information about the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, visit friendsofjaclyn.org. For additional information about SSCC Athletics, visit sheltonstate.edu/athletics.