Headers for Hope Launches First Event 

Saturday night, Oct 8^th, I headed over to the University of Maryland’s Ludwig Stadium for the Maryland women’s soccer game versus Wake Forest.  The game brought in a crowd of nearly 2,000 fans who watched the eleventh ranked University of Maryland soccer team  and the sixth ranked Wake Forest team battle to a 0-0 tie. Despite the lack of goals it was a very exciting game with a handful of great chances on goal, some terrific attacking sequences and quality goalkeeping.  The crowd was energetic and active and a good mixture of young and old, individuals and teams, boys and girls.  

 The game also happened to be the initial fundraising event for Header’s for Hope. The Maryland team dressed in pink uniforms to raise awareness for breast cancer and in support of the new charity. They also donated a pink Maryland team jersey, which was autographed by the entire team, and brought in an additional funds through a silent auction. I bid on it, but was beaten out for it pretty quickly. The staff at Maryland had also planted hand painted signs around the facility reminding people of the importance of breast cancer awareness and supporting research; the pink jerseys on the field and the bench were also a clear reminder.  

At the press conference after the game, Brian Penske, the Maryland coach, who spearheaded the efforts was asked about the pink jerseys and Headers for Hope. He said, “We talk all the time about perspective. And, this is a good reminder. Winning and losing are not what matters.  What matters are the people who are suffering from breast cancer, and any other form of cancer. We are honored to do our part.”      

So, with great gratitude to the University of Maryland, the staff and players and all the fans that took part on Saturday night we have now launched our first event.   

If you would also like to host a local event with proceeds returning to your local community, please contact us. All proceeds from this Maryland event will be designated to the Header’s for Hope inaugural college tournament this spring. If your team is interested in participating in that tournament, or hosting an event, please contact Louise Waxler at louise.waxler@headersforhope.org.