Since 2014, the Clarkston Lacrosse community has embraced the mission of New Day as an extension of their own community’s belief in ohana. The concept of ohana means that no one is alone; it represents an unconditional love for family (both given and chosen); and it means responsibility and support – helping one another through good times and bad.
When Clarkston Lacrosse parent Liz Csizmadia learned about New Day’s mission, including the belief that “no one should fight cancer alone,” she recognized the shared values of the two organizations and was immediately moved to take action. Twelve years ago, touched by the story of Sam Kell and his mother Gina (New Day president and co-founder), Liz reached out to New Day to begin what would become a truly meaningful partnership. As a two-time cancer survivor herself, she understands how hard the cancer journey is emotionally, financially and mentally.
“Ohana means no family gets left behind; it’s family at Clarkston Lacrosse,” said Liz. “Gina’s mission resonated with me. The funds went directly to families, and this seemed more in alignment with (head coach) Brian’s values. We lift families up.”
Since then, the Clarkston Lacrosse “Game for Hope” fundraising event has grown from one game to a day-long celebration and has raised more than $110,000 for New Day families. It has expanded to include youth lacrosse leagues from around the state, neighboring communities and local businesses. Lacrosse games are played throughout the day, all with a greater purpose of supporting families facing cancer.
In keeping with tradition, varsity players wear a special jersey created for that event to honor or remember someone special who is or was struggling with cancer. The name of the individual that the player chooses to honor is put on the back of the jersey, and signs to honor the individuals are placed around the stadium.
“This event teaches and instills a sense of community and awareness at a young age,” said Liz. “Cancer can be very scary, and it kind of takes some of the myth out of it and makes it a little safer to have conversations around the topic. Being part of an organization that has put so much value on taking care of each other – teammates, community, everybody – it’s very fulfilling to be part of an organization that has a moral compass in alignment with mine and values that I tried to instill in my kids.”
Liz has two children who played lacrosse for Clarkston growing up. Today, her son Eric has returned to the team as an assistant coach, which means she’s back in the bleachers too – freezing weather or not!
“I’m glad to have been a part of bringing these two organizations together,” said Liz. “To have a community that continues to rally behind this is personally meaningful. I know firsthand how important New Day’s work is and it warms my heart to have been a part of that in some small way.”
Liz is currently two years out from her second cancer diagnosis, and looking forward to the five-year mark with clean scans.
Thank you, Clarkston Lacrosse Community, for your ongoing work to support New Day and our families fighting cancer.
Since 2014, the Clarkston Lacrosse community has embraced the mission of New Day as an extension of their own community’s belief in ohana. The concept of ohana means that no one is alone; it represents an unconditional love for family (both given and chosen); and it means responsibility and support – helping one another through good times and bad.
When Clarkston Lacrosse parent Liz Csizmadia learned about New Day’s mission, including the belief that “no one should fight cancer alone,” she recognized the shared values of the two organizations and was immediately moved to take action. Twelve years ago, touched by the story of Sam Kell and his mother Gina (New Day president and co-founder), Liz reached out to New Day to begin what would become a truly meaningful partnership. As a two-time cancer survivor herself, she understands how hard the cancer journey is emotionally, financially and mentally.
“Ohana means no family gets left behind; it’s family at Clarkston Lacrosse,” said Liz. “Gina’s mission resonated with me. The funds went directly to families, and this seemed more in alignment with (head coach) Brian’s values. We lift families up.”
Since then, the Clarkston Lacrosse “Game for Hope” fundraising event has grown from one game to a day-long celebration and has raised more than $110,000 for New Day families. It has expanded to include youth lacrosse leagues from around the state, neighboring communities and local businesses. Lacrosse games are played throughout the day, all with a greater purpose of supporting families facing cancer.
In keeping with tradition, varsity players wear a special jersey created for that event to honor or remember someone special who is or was struggling with cancer. The name of the individual that the player chooses to honor is put on the back of the jersey, and signs to honor the individuals are placed around the stadium.
“This event teaches and instills a sense of community and awareness at a young age,” said Liz. “Cancer can be very scary, and it kind of takes some of the myth out of it and makes it a little safer to have conversations around the topic. Being part of an organization that has put so much value on taking care of each other – teammates, community, everybody – it’s very fulfilling to be part of an organization that has a moral compass in alignment with mine and values that I tried to instill in my kids.”
Liz has two children who played lacrosse for Clarkston growing up. Today, her son Eric has returned to the team as an assistant coach, which means she’s back in the bleachers too – freezing weather or not!
“I’m glad to have been a part of bringing these two organizations together,” said Liz. “To have a community that continues to rally behind this is personally meaningful. I know firsthand how important New Day’s work is and it warms my heart to have been a part of that in some small way.”
Liz is currently two years out from her second cancer diagnosis, and looking forward to the five-year mark with clean scans.
Thank you, Clarkston Lacrosse Community, for your ongoing work to support New Day and our families fighting cancer.