USL: Making A Difference

Iris S. & Bert L. Wolstein’s Kids Kicking Cancer

A cancer diagnosis for a child can translate into missing typical childhood experiences, such as playing soccer, that are often taken for granted. Due to treatment and other various factors, some children may find it challenging to participate in sports teams and athletic events with their friends and family.

However, exercise and activity can lead to a healthier lifestyle for kids – physically and emotionally – and frequently aid childhood and adolescent cancer survivors in their development. USL has teamed up with Iris S. & Bert L. Wolstein’s Kids Kicking Cancer program in an effort to provide children with this opportunity.

United Soccer Leagues recognizes and understands the importance of the outstanding work being done by Kids Kicking Cancer, and has chosen to offer its unwavering support to this much-needed program.

Although the initiative has expanded since its founding to include golf, tennis, basketball, and swimming, the Kids Kicking Cancer program began with a soccer clinic in 2006. University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital has been the primary host of this annual soccer event in Cleveland for over four years.

With the support and reach of USL, which has teams in more than 100 markets, the Kids Kicking Cancer program will collaborate with USL clubs to expand the initiative across North America. The clinics at the local level will continue to serve the same purpose: encouraging cancer patients to be active and to recognize the health benefits of physical activity.

About Iris S. & Bert L. Wolstein’s Kids Kicking Cancer Program

Iris S. & Bert L. Wolstein’s Kids Kicking Cancer (www.rainbowbabies.org/kkc) program emerged from a generous $1 million gift from Iris S. Wolstein, in memory of her husband Bert L. Wolstein, and a tradition was born. It is the largest gift UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital (www.rainbowbabies.org) in Cleveland, Ohio has ever received to address physical fitness in chronically ill children. Kids Kicking Cancer allows UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, in partnership with the University Hospitals Ireland Cancer Center, to offer a series of annual athletic skills clinics for children on and off treatment for cancer.

In addition to offering free soccer, golf, tennis, basketball and swimming clinics, Kids Kicking Cancer presents an annual 12-week exercise program to encourage physical activity and fitness at home year-round. Pediatric sports medicine experts and licensed physical therapists incorporate athletic conditioning; registered dieticians teach proper diet and nutrition; and skilled therapists lead group psychosocial support and lessons in self-esteem, confidence and self-awareness.