Annual LAX Tournament at New Egypt High School Raises Over $208,000 to End Breast Cancer Forever
More than 5,000 young women took part in this year’s Lax For The Cure tournament at New Egypt High School in New Jersey. This annual event supports the mission of Susan G. Komen Central and South Jersey and Susan G. Komen North Jersey, raising awareness and funds for breast cancer. Teams, coaches, parents, and recruiters from across the country joined together for the cause, raising over $208,000.
Its Beginning
Lax For The Cure was originally founded by Jessica and Charlie Shoulberg. At the time, Shoulberg was the CFO of STEPS Lacrosse LLC and during the summer of 2007, The STEPS Lacrosse club had three mothers who were fighting breast cancer.
The concept of Lax For The Cure came from the idea that with the growth of girls lacrosse, and summer tournament circuit, that the opportunity presented itself to start a tournament that would bring awareness to the awful disease. The tournament would meet the ideals of players, parents, clubs, and college coaches. In return, they would raise funds and awareness for Komen’s Bold Goal to reduce the current number of breast cancer deaths by 50% in the U.S by 2026.
Tournament Weekend
The three-day tournament continues to bring in thousands of people from surrounding states every year. Among the crowd of players were families from Maryland, Pennsylvania and New York. Most individuals who participated in the tournament had friends or family that were battling the disease. Some played in memory, while others played to honor the survivors in their lives. Players decorated their helmets, or wore uniforms, dedicated to those they knew with breast cancer.
Everyone was brought together by a shared cause and the hope to make a difference. Susan G. Komen provided informational games and handed out goodies throughout the weekend, and those at the tournament could learn more about breast cancer.
Best Dressed
On Friday and Saturday, Susan G. Komen held a contest for the best-dressed teams. Each team had embraced the event in their own way, and we found that it was almost impossible to decide among the young advocates! See for yourself below:
Ceremonial Closing on Sunday
On Sunday afternoon, the Central and South Jersey and North Jersey Affiliates of Susan G. Komen were presented with a check for $208,000! The Shoulbergs were among those who delivered the check. All of the money raised was collected both before and during the Lax For The Cure tournament.
The impact of these funds are felt throughout local New Jersey communities and nationally. Money raised by the Lax For The Cure help provide life-saving breast cancer services, such as mammograms, patient navigation, transportation assistance and education, to local women and men. These funds also help contribute to the incredible research being made to better diagnose and treat breast cancer each day.
Susan G. Komen thanks everyone who participated in the tournament this year and supported the teams.
To learn more about breast cancer, please visit komen.org.
