Annual Spring Gala Puts HEADstrong Foundation In The “Lime Light”


PHILADELPHIA – (March 26, 2012) The HEADstrong Foundation is overjoyed by the money raised at Friday night’s Lime Light Gala. With proceeds topping $150,000, HEADstrong plans to distribute funds to Nick’s House, City of Hope and the University of Pennsylvania’s Abramson Cancer Center to support cure-finding research efforts.

“We are beyond ecstatic by the generosity and sheer number of supporters who attended our gala last night,” says Pat Colleluori, Director of Development for the HEADstrong Foundation. “Our Lime Light Gala is more than celebrating Nick’s life; it’s about outreach and promoting blood cancer awareness.”

The HEADstrong Foundation was created by Ridley High School graduate and Hofstra lacrosse player, Nicholas “HEAD” Colleluori, during his battle against Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Since his passing, Nick’s family has worked tirelessly to fulfill his vision, raising nearly $1.2 million last year alone. For further information regarding the HEADstrong Foundation visit www.HEADstrongfoundation.org.

“This event exceeded our wildest expectations, and it’s only the second year,” says Cheryl Colleluori, President of HEADstrong, and Nick’s mom. “We use this gala to kick-off the lacrosse season and to share our personal experience with others outside of the game. This year, we increased the attendance by 25% from last year’s inaugural event. Nick would be thrilled.”

ABOUT HEADSTRONG
The HEADstrong Foundation’s mission is to carry on the legacy and vision of Founder Nick Colleluori through advocating, fundraising and supporting those affected by and working to eliminate blood cancer. The HEADstrong Foundation generates funds for blood cancer research, distributes grants and provides quality of life services to patients and survivors of blood cancer. Nick’s House is the Foundation’s most recent accomplishment, offering complimentary living accommodations for families with loved ones being treated for cancer in the Philadelphia metro area, decreasing their financial burden and providing them the comforts of home.

Founder Nick “Head” Colleluori was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma while attending Hofstra University, where he played lacrosse. During his battle with cancer, Nick began counseling other patients and laying the framework for what would become the HEADstrong Foundation. In August of 2006, he found the strength to play in one last lacrosse game. Nick passed away on November 28, 2006, at the age of 21. Although he is gone, his memory and unyielding determination to beat cancer lives on through the HEADstrong Foundation.

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