Nov. 9, 2009

LAS VEGAS - The UNLV softball program will host its "Family Day" Saturday afternoon (12:00 pm) at Eller Media Stadium. The day will feature an intrasquad scrimmage and the formal adoption of Jenna Jackson by the Rebel softball team through the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation.

Jenna is an eight-year-old from nearby Logandale, Nev., who was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma, a malignant brain tumor, on July 1. Within 48 hours of her diagnosis, she underwent brain surgery. She has since completed radiation and has begun chemotherapy treatments.

The softball program and Jenna have already spent a significant amount of time together and have been in frequent communication. Jenna has come out to watch the team play some of their fall ball games, while the team has made visits to see her at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center

The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation is non-profit, charitable organization that improves the quality of life for children with pediatric brain tumors and their families. FOJ is all about love, support and friendship.

The organization 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 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.

Currently, there are over 120 children paired with collegiate and high school teams in 17 different sports. There are over 1,000 schools waiting to adopt. Some of the notable teams are: Michigan baseball and softball, Stanford women's lacrosse, Hofstra softball, North Carolina baseball and many more.

The Foundation was inspired by Jaclyn Murphy, who was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma, in March 2004, when she was nine-years-old. Jaclyn's strength and courage, relentless spirit and joy for life are an inspiration to those who know her. Jaclyn's wish is "for all the children in the hospitals to be healed." Jaclyn was adopted by the Northwestern women's lacrosse team.

For more information, click on these links:

Friends of Jaclyn Foundation

Friends of Jaclyn on Facebook

Jenna Jackson's CaringBridge.org webpage