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NEWARK, NJ – Eight-year-old Gavin Brady, from Pompton Plains, NJ, became the newest addition to the NJIT men's lacrosse team roster with the help of Friends of Jaclyn Foundation held at the Wellness and Events Center on the Wednesday afternoon.
Friends of Jaclyn aims to improve the quality of life for children battling pediatric brain tumors and other childhood cancers by pairing them with local team, clubs and community groups.
In a 15-minute ceremony, head coach
Travis Johnson presented Gavin and his parents with a National Letter of Intent (NLI) to become the newest member of the Highlander team.
Gavin, who was diagnosed with Pre B All Leukemia in December 2015, walked into the room full of men's lacrosse players and NJIT Administration to roaring cheers and applause after touring NJIT's new Wellness and Events Center.
"It's exciting for us to welcome Gavin and his family into the Highlander family and we are honored that they have let us into theirs," Johnson added. "Gavin's perseverance and toughness has inspired his family and we look forward to the positive effect he will have on our staff and our student-athletes."
Gavin has been an absolute inspiration to his family and now to the NJIT Lacrosse team as the Highlanders welcomed Gavin with open arms onto the team and are encouraged by his story.
"Having the opportunity to spend some time with a young man like Gavin was incredible for my team and I", junior co-captain
Ryan Darrow said after spending most of the afternoon with Gavin. "It was a humbling experience to spend some time with a brave and courageous boy who wouldn't let adversity get in the way of living his life to its fullest. Our team believes in the idea of 'family' and by inducting Gavin into our NJIT lacrosse family we strengthened that belief even more."
NJIT will play its final home game on April 14 at 4pm hosting Hampton, and Gavin will be in attendance to cheer on the Highlanders!
