Sept. 17, 2009

Bronx, N.Y. - The Fordham University cheerleaders will have a special new member on Saturday night when the Rams host Columbia in the annual Liberty Cup Game. The Fordham cheerleaders will welcome a special honorary member to their squad, Meaghan Tully. Meaghan is a 14-year old student at Pearl River High School in Pearl River, N.Y., and a member of an all-star cheerleading team. At the age of 12, she was diagnosed with germinoma brain cancer and underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy and is now doing well.

Her connection with the Fordham Cheerleading team was arranged through Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, a 501(c)(3), non-profit, charitable organization that improves the quality of life for children suffering with pediatric brain tumors and their families. FOJ is all about love, support, and friendship. FOJ matches a child with a college or high school sports team based on geographic location. Once the team and child have been matched, there is a ceremonial adoption. The child is surrounded by 20 or 30 new friends that rally around him or her. A deep bond is formed between the child, the child's family and the sports team. The relationship is a priceless gift. The gift is in the relationship; a child is gaining a loving support network and the team is gaining an insight into the value of life and the power of love. The result of this connection is mutual respect, support, friendship and love.

Also joining Meaghan at Saturday's game and representing the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation will be Danny and Angela Lam whose daughter, Devon, was adopted by the Temple lacrosse team in February of 2008. Unfortunately Devon passed away in December of 2008.

More information on Meaghan can be found on her Caringbridge page at www.caringbridge.org/visti/meaghantully/mystory.

More information on Friends of Jaclyn can be found on their website at www.friendsofjaclyn.org.