SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes have announced activation details in support of Major League Soccer’s 10th annual Kick Childhood Cancer initiative, including Be The Light Night on Saturday, Sept. 2 when the Earthquakes host Minnesota United FC, presented by Habbas Law.
Kick Childhood Cancer is an annual league-wide campaign to raise awareness of pediatric cancers and fundraise for childhood cancer research in the month of September. To kick off the month, the Earthquakes will partner with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) and the American Cancer Society to host Be The Light Night on Sept. 2nd.
At the match, fans can receive lanterns by making a donation to LLS at their booth in the Epicenter. At halftime fans are invited to light-up their lanterns to show support to those who have been affected by blood cancer diagnosis. Kick Childhood Cancer will participate in the First Goal and hold a silent auction at the match.
After the final whistle, the Quakes Special Olympics Unified team will face off against the Minnesota United FC Unified team in their second matchup against an MLS Unified team. The Earthquakes Unified team was launched in partnership with Special Olympics Northern California to give athletes both with and without physical and intellectual disabilities the chance to play the beautiful game together. The match will take place on the field, and all fans are encouraged to stay after the match and support.
In addition, the Earthquakes will participate in month-long initiatives for Kick Childhood Cancer. The club will pair each first team player with a local fighting cancer patient, survivor, or family impacted by childhood cancer. The Quakes will also select three honorary captains for each of their three home matches that month.
The honorary captain is a child who is currently fighting or has overcome cancer. They will sign a one-day contract with General Manager Chris Leitch, take a tour of the front office, receive a customized jersey, meet the team, attend training, and lead the team onto the field on game day.
