San Diego Surf’s Paige Linden Goes for the Gold for Cancer Patients
Soccer players are among the healthiest and most active of all athletes, but too many young people are suffering from serious illness and unable to enjoy a normal childhood. One elite athlete, San Diego Surf SC defender Paige Linden, is doing her part to bring joy to kids who are in the battle of their lives.
In the spring, students around the country begin to think about an annual rite of passage: the pop cultural major event among school students known as the Prom. Even for those too young for high school, the event takes on a mythical aura. Sadly, for some young people the dream of attending their high school prom may never come true because they are battling a foe that gives no ground – cancer.
In San Diego, the Friends of Scott Foundation (FSF) is changing that for patients at Rady Children’s Hospital. Founded in honor of Scott Delgadillo, a young man who lost his battle with Acute Lymphostic Leukemia (ALL) all too soon, the Foundation is dedicated to supporting children with cancer and their families. One of the signature events that FSF puts on every year is the Unforgettable Prom, an all-expenses covered celebration for children engaged in the battle of their lives. For this one night, kids can be kids and “cancer is checked at the door.”
While FSF receives a great deal of support from sponsors, the cost of putting on the event is still enormous. This year, on March 28, over two dozen limousines will pick up 225 children from around San Diego County and bring them to the San Diego Hall of Champions for the 8th Annual Unforgettable Prom. The foundation and its sponsors provide food, entertainment, clothing and even hair and makeup services to make this a truly “unforgettable” night for these young patients.
“We offer amazing programs for kids with cancer and their families all year round, but this is the event the kids look forward to every year,” says Carmen Delgadillo, Scott’s mother and the founder of the Friends of Scott Foundation. “For one precious night a year, they can forget about cancer; they are treated like royalty.”
When youth soccer player Paige Linden, a defender on the San Diego Surf SC GU12 Academy team coached by Greg Laporte, heard about the Friends of Scott and the Unforgettable Prom needing help, she was determined to do something to help. With her team in the midst of Cal South National Cup competition, she has begun soliciting pledges for the number of goals she scores or the number of shutouts her team earns during the tournament.
Paige and her family are calling this “Goals for Gold.”
In less than one week, Paige has raised $425, but her goal is to raise $5000 by March 14. She has issued a challenge to other soccer players around the county to do their part to help. Players are encouraged start their own Goals for Gold campaign and set their own fundraising goals.
It takes a very special kid to want to help others, and a great sense of maturity to inspire others to step up to make a difference. We applaud Paige Linden and her family for wanting to help and hope others will join effort.
To support Paige and her fundraising goal or to start your own Goals for Gold, you can contact Erika Soares at erika.surfsoccer@gmail.com. To donate directly to Friends of Scott Foundation, contact Teresa Miller at 858-518-4202 (teresa@friendsofscott.org) or Carmen Delgadillo at 619-993-2917, or donate online at www.friendsofscott.org.
