How MLS and the Union organization, players, and fan base have come together to raise awareness and fund research to help in the fight against childhood cancer with the “Kick Childhood Cancer” initiative.
The Philadelphia Union won in a 4-0 rout of DC United on Sunday, September 22nd behind a brace from Daniel Gazdag and goals from Mikael Uhre and Tai Baribo. The win moved the Union into 9th place in the Eastern Conference, and continued the resurgence of late. However, the night was not just about soccer as it was Kick Childhood Cancer night at Subaru Park.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and Major League Soccer and the Philadelphia Union have been doing their part to support the cause through the “Kick Childhood Cancer” initiative. MLS has the players wear special KCC warm up tops that are also available for purchase. This past Friday, the Philadelphia Union held a “campout” event at Union Yards for the Fearless 43, as well as many festivities for the match against DC United on Sunday. Some of the kids had also helped to design the kids’ pajamas that were sold in the team store.
It’s been called a club no parent wants to be in, and yet despite the awful reason for being a part of the group, the families that connect through their children having cancer have a bond like no other. That support network is vital to making it through the journey. One such local group is the Kisses for Kyle Foundation, founded in 2001 by Sharon Snyder in honor of her son Kyle, who was diagnosed with leukemia just shy of his second birthday and passed eight months later. The foundation helps to support families in the Delaware Valley dealing with childhood cancer and has great relationships with the area sports teams, including the Union and the Phillies.
I have had the pleasure and privilege of getting to know one such family whose lives have been affected. The Slocum family- Steve, Grace, Elliott, and Olivia, have become a well-known and well-loved bunch amongst the Union community. Elliott courageously battled and beat cancer, having been diagnosed at age four. He is now nine years old and thriving.
I first heard Elliott’s story via a video feature by the Union in 2022. Elliott had been a member of the “Fearless 43” honored by the Union in 2021. According to the Union’s website, “Philadelphia Union started Fearless 43 in 2019 with the number coming tied to the number of children diagnosed daily with cancer. For the last five years the Union have partnered with Kisses for Kyle to work with 43 childhood cancer patients in the greater Philadelphia area on a special project.” Elliott became a big fan of center back Jack Elliott because of his name. The Union surprised Elliott with an outing with Jack:
https://twitter.com/PhilaUnion/status/1572601548391079936
Elliott and Jack have a special bond that is just one of the many instances of the players doing their part to make a child’s life better.
The Players Step Up
Photos courtesy of Grace Slocum
Another example of players offering support has come from the Union’s German trio. This past summer, defender Kai Wagner, midfielder Leon Flach, and goalkeeper Oliver Semmle hosted a soccer camp for kids called “Train Like a Pro.” At the Fearless 43 campout event, Kai, Leon, and Oliver surprised the kids with a visit and donated $4,100 raised from their camp to Kisses for Kyle. Kai, amongst other players, has also played a big role in supporting the Fearless 43 and has a special relationship with another member of the group, Charlotte, and her family.
Captain Alejandro Bedoya has also been very supportive of many causes, including childhood cancer awareness. Recently, in the match at Miami, he was able to meet with Carmella and the Raguz family, who were season ticket holders in Philly before relocating to Florida.
https://twitter.com/PhilaUnion/status/1837212736431837462
Kick Childhood Cancer Night at the Union
All over MLS, players wore the KCC top and events were held to support children and families dealing with childhood cancer. On Sunday before, during, and after the match versus DC United, the Union honored the Fearless 43 and four children, including Elliott Slocum, were the drum strikers.
At halftime, the Sons of Ben revealed a special tifo, held up large yellow childhood cancer ribbons, and sprayed bubbles for the kids.
After the match, the players signed autographs for the Fearless 43 and posed for pictures. On top of it being a big win for the Union, the night was special indeed for the families touched by childhood cancer.
Post game photos in the River End: Grace, Olivia, and Elliott Slocum; “Kyle the Baby” Wood with Elliott and Olivia; Grace with yours truly. Photos courtesy of Grace Slocum.
On a personal note, I feel privileged to have become friends with the Slocum family and cherish the time we have spent together at home and away games and other gatherings. The Union has brought so many people into our lives, and we have had some wonderful interviews on our “The One Team We Agree On” podcast over the last two years. The Slocums were our guests on episode 40, so if you have not seen/listened to it, please check it out. It is one of my favorite episodes we have done. Special thanks to Grace for providing many photos and videos this piece.
For more information about how you can support the fight against childhood cancer, here are some resources:
The One Team We Agree On 
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