Written by her son Chuck.

Like many others, I grew up playing soccer and have continually played from the age of 5. Soccer is a game that I love, and I do my best to share my love of the game with others, either through coaching or playing for charity. Through the many years of playing, there have been many times where I didn’t want to go to practice or play a certain position, but I always had a strong person behind me to keep me motivated; that person was my Mom.

My Mom was my best friend. Being lucky doesn’t describe what s have her in my life, not just as a mom, but as a friend, a foe, a rock. I lost my Mom two years ago, July 14th, 2012. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about her. In reality she has never left, but it still doesn’t take away the sight of my dad when I see how much he misses her. She was a beautiful person, she was my Mom. Cancer…It has taken many lives and loved ones from us. It took my Mom, it has taken my friend’s mom, it has taken daughters and sisters. In many ways I was lucky enough to say goodbye to my mom, whereas many others who have suddenly lost someone don’t get that opportunity, but I was very unlucky to see the pain that my Mom went through before her passing. Knowing what I know now about chemo, I understand why my mom dreaded those days and the days that followed. The suffering that cancer brings to someone is unbearable to watch, let alone experience.

Not being a doctor or scientist, my ability to help others is limited to trying to provide for the ones that can help. This tournament is a way our soccer community can come together to help stop the pain that our friends or loved ones have endured. It’s time to celebrate the lives that have been lost and the lives we want to help.