Boston College Athletics
Lacrosse Adds New Team Member
March 20, 2008 | Lacrosse
March 20, 2008
Chestnut Hill, Mass - The Boston College women's lacrosse team welcomed the newest member to the team Tuesday night. Through the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, the Eagles adopted Judith Theriault, a 16-year-old who has been battling a brain tumor for the last 13 years. BC will honor Judith along with Massachusetts's adoptee, Lexie, on Saturday, March 22 before the start of the two teams' game.
The Friends of Jaclyn (FOJ) Foundation was started by Jaclyn Murphy's family after Jaclyn was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in March 2004 at the age of 11. It is a charitable organization created to raise public awareness about pediatric brain tumors. Funds are used to offset medical expenses for children who are diagnosed with pediatric brain cancer and donations are made to other charities specifically related to pediatric brain cancer. The Foundation also helps children connect with athletic teams, as Jaclyn was adopted by the Northwestern women's lacrosse team.
The Eagles decorated their lockerroom for Judith and gave her her own locker, a BC jersey, sweatpants and lacrosse stick. She was joined by her parents Kathleen and Denis and twin brother Larry. Larry is also battling a brain tumor and has been adopted by the BC baseball team.
Boston College's matchup with UMass on March 22 at 4 p.m. will mark a celebration for Judith and Lexie. Minutewomen head coach Alexis Venechanos has been instrumental in helping raise brain cancer awareness through the FOJ Foundation, which began during her time as an assistant coach at Northwestern. There will also be a donation box at the entrance of the stadium to make contributions to the foundation.
For more information about the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, please visit www.friendsofjaclyn.org.
