From University of Chicago Athletics

The University of Chicago football team will be Going Gold during its home game on Saturday, September 26 against Centre College to help in the fight against childhood cancer. As part of Go4theGoal's Lace Up 4 Pediatric Cancer® campaign, the Maroons will don shoelaces that are gold, the color for childhood cancer awareness, during the game. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

"September is designated as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor and remember children and families affected by these rare diseases, and help rally support for kids with cancer and their families," said UChicago Head Football Coach Chris Wilkerson. "We are not just looking for excellence in the classroom and on the field – part of the experience is learning how to help and serve others. Approximately 16,000 children and teens are diagnosed with cancer every year. We have a member of our football family playing for us now who is a cancer survivor. Whether you have cancer, know someone with cancer, or are trying to create cancer awareness, it's important to have faith and hope. We just want to help in any way possible."

Money generated from UChicago's gold lace sales, plus any additional donations received, will support kids who are fighting cancer in Chicago. The Maroons are the first college football team in the Chicago area to Lace Up 4 Pediatric Cancer through Go4theGoal during the 2015 season.

"We're really excited to have the University of Chicago Football on board," said Beth Stefanacci, Go4theGoal Executive Director. "It is an honor to work with such a prestigious coaching staff who at the same time are willing to take the time and energy to support kids fighting against pediatric cancer, the number one cause of death by disease in children."

To learn more and support the Maroon football program in the fight against childhood cancer, visit www.go4thegoal.org.