VSA Stands with Caoilinn –

Caoilinn McLane, VSA’s 01G NPL Academy Goalkeeper, was diagnosed with Pediatric Acute Myeloid Leukemia during November of 2016.  Over the past few months Caoilinn has been on an extremely tough journey at D.C. Children’s Hospital and has shown great strength battling the first few month of cancer. She just recently returned home for several days before she begins her next round of chemotherapy. Before she traveled home VSA’s Matt Lacey, Executive Director, and Bronson Gambale, Director of Player Education, were able to spend the afternoon with her at D.C. Children’s Hospital.

During the visit both Matt and Bronson spent the afternoon laughing at jokes, talking sports, and seeing some of the crafts and artwork Caoilinn has been able to make while spending her time at the Hospital. Caoilinn along with her family have really made her room a place of strength and inspiration with motivational quotes and posters/pictures from all of her friends and family supporting her all the way. For those of you who know Caoilinn you will know that she has always been a fighter on and off the field and during the visit it was very clear that nothing has changed.

After their visit with Caoilinn, Matt Lacey had this to share “We really enjoyed spending time with Caoilinn and her family. For me and Bronson as parents of young children it is obviously very hard to see any child going through what Caoilinn is facing each day but what I can say is we were blown away by her positive attitude and personality that shone through. She is an immensely brave young women who is showing tremendous strength and fight each day to overcome this unforeseen illness. We are very proud of her and I hope all of our members can take something positive from her journey to continue fighting each day and apply it to their daily lives”.

VSA wants to support her and be by her side as an extended family during this tough time. As members of our club, our community, and the bond surrounding this great game, she and her family stand strong as we look to join them on this journey.

How we as VSA & the Soccer Community as a whole can help:

Loudoun Soccer 2nd Annual Foxtrot 5K & Fun Run (benefiting the Meekers & McLanes):

https://potomac.enmotive.com/events/register/586fdc71-badc-4a61-b0b2-6aa35206f5f9

Proceeds go to benefit two families that are battling through health issues.

Link to buy a shirt:

http://www.booster.com/team-Caoilinn

"Team Caoilinn" Shirt Facts:

(1) A shout out to Irish Family Heritage of the McLanes & a great Saint Patrick's Day Shirt 

(2) A great way to support Team Caoilinn in the Foxtrot 5K

(3) A great way to promote Awareness about the Fight Against Pediatric Cancer/Leukemia by wearing the shirt