WHO:  The Be The Match Soccer Marrowthon sponsored by Jewish Hospital - Mercy Health Partners and hosted by the Southern Ohio Soccer Clubs, brings players, teams, parents, coaches and community members together to raise awareness/ funding for a life-saving cause.

WHAT:  The Marrowthon highlights the importance of service to others while engaging players in an unforgettable 24-hour soccer extravaganza.  Players/coaches of the Southern Ohio Soccer Clubs will work together to support both the clubs and Be The Match®.  Be The Match helps patients receive the marrow or umbilical cord blood transplant they need. Every year, more than 10,000 patients are diagnosed with life-threatening diseases such as leukemia or lymphoma for which a marrow or cord blood transplant from an unrelated donor may be their best or only hope for a cure. Most patients (about 70 percent) in need of a transplant do not have a matching donor in their family.

WHEN/HOW: August 6th, 2011  Teams usually play at Lebanon Soccer Complex over 24 Hour period. Sponsors, activities and entertainment included.

CONTACT:  Audrey Maschino marrowthon@yahoo.com, Jewish Hospital Blood & Transplant Center; Hammer Leader- Jeff Wampler (wampler@classicshammerfc.com)

On Saturday, August 6, Hammer FC teams participated in the Be The Match Soccer Marrowthon sponsored by Jewish Hospital - Mercy Health Partners and hosted by the Southern Ohio Soccer Clubs. Two teams (U11/12 boys and U12 girls) were touched by the story of Maya Collins, a local Mason girl and dedicated their games to her.

Maya is currently in Childrens Hospital awaiting a bone marrow transplant to fight off a rare form of childhood leukemia. Maya is 7 (almost 8) and has been in the hospital since April. She won’t be coming home anytime soon. She just finished her second round of chemo, had some positive tests post-chemo, and will hopefully receive the bone marrow transplant soon. This is followed by 100 days of isolation.

She is a special little girl and her family has just been so grateful for all the community support they have received since her diagnosis.

Soccer games were played from noon until midnight to raise money, awareness and donors for bone marrow transplants. Hammer FC had 3 teams at the event. A Boys U11/U12 team that played games at 5:00 and 7:00, a Boys U9 team that had a game at 7:00 and a Girls U12 team that had games at 8:00 and 10:00. Hammer FC is proud of our teams reaching out into the community to make a difference.

Hammer FC U11/12 Boys Pose for a Pre-Game Photo with the CSA U11 team

“Wow!  What an incredible event and fantastic turnout!  In a very short period of time this event has really soared to great heights!  It was an honor to represent CSA and play against Hammer FC for Maya at your event this year and the kids had a great time!”

     - Dave Woeste (CSA Youth Director / Staff Trainer)

Hammer FC U11/12 Boys Pose for a Pre-Game Photo with the CUP U11 team and Maya’s Dad

“It was a fun event for everyone.  I know that Maya’s parents were touched by everyone’s support.”

     - Julie Womack (CUP parent and close friend of the Collins family)

All the Hammer FC teams get together to shown their support of the Soccer Marrowthon

“It really was a lot of fun and I thought the boys all played great. I think it is great when the club can come together as 1 team.  I love seeing the all kids mixing with the older/younger players.”

     - Laura Lienhart (Hammer FC parent)