June 6, 2012

Lauren's First and Goal camp strikes personal chord for Penn State's O'Brien (The Morning Call)

Bronx, N.Y. -

Fordham University assistant football coaches Andrew Breiner and Vincent White took time away from their busy schedules to participate in the ninth annual Lauren´s First and Goal Football Camp, held on Sunday, June 3 at Lafayette College. The one-day clinic featured over 300 college coaches who volunteered their time to teach more than 2,100 aspiring football players the in-and-outs of the game.

The camp helps raise funds for Lauren's First and Goal, a charitable organization named for Lauren Loose, daughter of Lafayette defensive coordinator John Loose and his wife Marianne. Lauren is a 15-year-old pediatric cancer survivor who has undergone surgery and chemotherapy to treat brain tumors much of her life. The camp was started eight years ago to support brain tumor research and cancer services.

Vincent White

The 2011 camp featured Penn State head coach Bill O'Brien as the keynote speaker. O'Brien can relate to the Loose family as he and his wife, Colleen, have two children: Jack, 9, and Michael, 6. Jack was also born with a rare disorder called lissencephaly, a brain malformation that slows development. Because of this condition, Jack must use a wheelchair and is in need of constant care. However, he attends school in State College and is "doing very well," his father said.

Lauren and her sister Grace, 12, were on hand to help with the fund raising activities, making cupcakes, crafts and T-shirts that were sold.

Since its inception, LFG has raised more than $1 million toward its mission to provide financial support for brain tumor research and cancer services, to offer financial and emotional support to families living with pediatric cancer, and to increase awareness of the disease. These goals are made possible through the funding gained through LFG Football Camp and charitable contributions. To donate, please visit www.laurensfirstandgoal.org.