HEADstrong Book

Appendix I

R e l e n t l e s sOn November 28, 2006, the Colleluori’s lives changed forever. Nicholas “Head” Colleluori lost his 14-month battle with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at the age of 21. A 2004 graduate of Ridley High School and Division I lacrosse player at Hofstra University, Nick defined the word “relentless” in his battle against the cancer. He was an aggressive lacrosse player on an athletic scholarship who found the strength to play his last lacrosse game just three months before he passed away.

It wasn’t until his sophomore year at college when he experienced allergy-like symptoms that he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a vicious blood cancer that attacks the lymphatic system. Nick battled through chemotherapy, radiation, stem cell transplants and experimental treatments. He never lost his determination despite the physical and emotional toll it took on him and his family. Nick devoted his last days in counseling other patients and laying out the foundation for HEADstrong. His mother, Cheryl Colleluori, said “He was a very old soul, not your typical 19-year-old kid, always concerned about everyone else.” In fact, he drew up the logo for HEADstrong while waiting for surgery. His spirit lives on in the roots of HEADstrong, with his dedication and positive attitude when faced with cancer.

A B O U T T H E O R G A N I Z A T I O NNick Colleluori’s mother Cheryl, along with his brother Michael, continued Nick’s dream by founding the organization in 2006. Cheryl Colleluori promised her son she would do everything in her power to fight the disease that took his life. Cheryl said, “Nick’s our inspiration. The lacrosse community is our encouragement.” The community she is a part of contributes to the success of HEADstrong. Michael Colleluori, the acting vice president of HEADstrong, established Relentless Lacrosse, a premier lacrosse league dedicated to educating players and the community about HEADstrong.

The HEADstrong Foundation works to advocate and raise money to support research on blood cancer and those affected by the disease. The HEADstrong Foundation distributes grants and provide assistance to patients and survivors of blood cancer. It awards scholarships and grants for students with ambitions of entering the medical field. In 2011, it introduced the Nicholas E. Colleluori Endowment Fund to support innovative treatments for a cure. The HEADstrong Foundation has a strong connection to the national lacrosse community given that Nick was a competitive, collegiate player, and his family members are avid supporters. Through the sponsorship of lacrosse teams and lacrosse-related events, merchandise and partnerships, HEADstrong Foundation is able to raise funds and awareness of blood cancer while sharing the Colleluori family.

Cheryl Colleluori, president of the HEADstrong Foundation, has brought the foundation to life, working relentlessly to make her late son’s vision a reality. Over the past five years, she has spread global awareness of the foundation and raised funds to help carry out its mission to eradicate blood cancer.

In 2006, Cheryl made a promise to her son that she would do everything in her power to put an end to blood cancer -- and she hasn’t stopped fighting. Telling Nicholas’ story allows her to maintain a connection with her son and help others who are coping with blood cancer. The lacrosse community has always been a source of encouragement for the Colleluori family. Nicholas’ devotion to the sport led him to share his story with his teammates, a group of people he knew he could count on. Cheryl believes that the growth of the HEADstrong Foundation is a phenomenon that is powered by the spirit of Nick and unwaveringly support of the lacrosse community. Over the past seven years, Cheryl has worked at Business Interiors by Staples, where she oversees a national support team of major project service coordinators while devoting up to 50 hours a week to the foundation. Born and raised in the Philadelphia area, Cheryl and her husband, Pat, raised their kids in Holmes, Pa. Cheryl is committed to the future of The HEADstrong Foundation and the newly opened Nick’s House, the new HEADstrong Foundation headquarters and temporary home for families to stay on a complimentary basis while their children are being treated for blood cancer.

Michael Colleluori, vice president of the HEADstrong Foundation, has dedicated himself to promoting this nonprofit that was founded by his brother Nicholas who lost his life to blood cancer. In his role as vice president, Michael oversees the day-to-day operations, donor

development and strategic planning. He also manages the distribution of orders and inventory control. Michael is dedicated to ensuring that the HEADstrong Foundation stays true to its mission to put an end to blood cancer. A prominent member of the lacrosse community, Michael is also the co-founder of Relentless Lacrosse, the premier lacrosse educator in the Philadelphia area. Relentless Lacrosse educates all of its players about the HEADstrong Foundation, strengthening the unity within the lacrosse community where Michael has served as a coach, teammate and leader. Michael graduated from Hofstra University in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in community health. At Hofstra, 120 athlete making the Hofstra Athletics Academic Honor Roll and receiving the CAA Commissioner’s Academic Award from 2006 to 2009. In 2009 Michael led the CAA Conference with the highest assist average and was recognized as a first team all conference player. His athletic achievements were acknowledged when he was selected to play in the North/South All-Star Game. After graduation, Michael was hired as a research assistant at The University of Pennsylvania. After working in the Hematology Oncology Department for two years, he began working full time as vice president at the HEADstrong Foundation.

Pat Colleluori is the director of development for the HEADstrong Foundation. Pat is driven by his desire to use his brother’s story as a platform to spread awareness and take a stand against blood cancer. While Pat is the newest addition to the team of full-time employees at HEADstrong, he has spent the past five years building the foundation.

As the director of development, Pat Colleluori has spearheaded the marketing and product development of the HEADstrong Foundation. His central role in planning special events and fundraising efforts has helped propel the foundation closer to its goal of eradicating blood cancer and helping those who are currently fighting the disease.

Pat graduated from West Chester University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies. Throughout his professional career, he has worked in sales for the food and apparel industries. Pat’s specialization in product development has led him to collaborate with major lacrosse manufacturers such as Warrior and Bryne, to create cutting-edge lacrosse gear that has resulted in widespread exposure for the foundation.

Pat defines himself as a compassionate consultant. Having experienced the way in which blood cancer affects a family, he is able to shape the foundation’s offerings to cater to the needs of those who are battling the disease. Pat is committed to building personal relationships with those who are currently fighting against blood cancer by visiting with patients weekly.

On Tuesday September 27, 2011, The HEADStrong Foundation celebrated the grand opening of “Nick’s House;” a two-story commercial property that will now serve as the official “HEAD”quarters for the foundation, while providing a free two-bedroom apartment to families with loved ones being treated in the area. The opening of Nick’s House furthers the organization’s mission by lessening the financial burden put on families battling cancer and providing them with all of the comforts of home, including computer access and laundry facilities. Nick’s House was established through the generosity and vision of the family and friends of Nick Colleluori.

The two-story commercial property, having been abandoned for three years and under major disrepair, was acquired by the organization and renovated and furnished entirely with donated goods and services. After five months of work and service from countless volunteers, the organization has opened its doors to unveil the new structure that is now a haven for families battling cancer in the Philadelphia Metro area. The property will be able to fully house two families, complete with two bedrooms and a living room and kitchen area, while providing the organization with ample office space in the bottom floor that will serve as the “HEAD”quarters for the foundation. The front of the structure also houses large warehouse space for apparel storage.

The grand opening celebration on September 27, 2011, drew in crowds of close to 200, including the likes of Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett. Family, friends, and donors gathered to honor the life of an incredible young man and the celebration of a huge milestone in the legacy that he has left.

FOLSOM, Pa.- Oct. 4, 2011- The annual Nick Colleluori Lacrosse Classic is about to kick off its fifth tournament for the HEADstrong Foundation at Ridley High School in Folsom, Pa. The tournament will be held Oct. 8 and 9, kicking off at 9:30 a.m., with the last game at 4 p.m. HEADstrong Foundation will be hosting teams from NCAA Division I, II and III schools. Over the past four years, the foundation has been able to raise approximately $650,000 for the blood cancer research and family assistance.

Participating teams sell HEADstrong T-shirts on their campus, raising funds and awareness of this disease. All proceeds go to the Blood Cancer Research & Family Assistance. Teams are assigned a “HEADstrong Honorary Captain,” someone who is currently dealing with blood cancer. The Honorary Captains stay with teams for the day, to inspire them, and to show them their relentless spirit.

Single day admission for the event is $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 years old and under, and free for children under 5 years old. A two-day pass is $15 for adults and $7 for children 12 years old and under. HEADstrong partners with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the “Be the Match” Bone Marrow Donor Drive Registry.

Cheryl Colleluori said, “We would not exist if it weren’t for the lacrosse community, they have become our encouragement.”

About the HEADstrong Foundation:The HEADstrong Foundation was founded in memory of the late Nick Colleluori who passed away in 2006 from Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma at the age of 21. During his 14-month battle with cancer, he devoted his time to creating the foundation to help those who have been diagnosed with blood cancer and put an end to this horrible disease. To learn more about Nick and the HEADstrong Foundation, visit www.HEADstrongfoundation.org.

# # #

Note to Journalists: If you would like more information on this topic or would like to schedule an interview, please contact Cheryl Colleluori at [email protected] or by calling 610.461.5987.

Relentless Spirit of Nick Colleluori Lives On Through Annual Lacrosse ClassicThe HEADstrong Foundation Aims to Raise Money to Combat Blood Cancer

HEADstrong FoundationGetting a HEAD of CancerContact: Cheryl Colleluori

Phone: 610.461.5987Email: [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOLSOM, Pa.- Oct. 4, 2011- The annual Nick Colleluori Lacrosse Classic is about to kick off its fifth tournament for the HEADstrong Foundation at Ridley High School in Folsom, Pa. The tournament will be held Oct. 8 and 9, kicking off at 9:30 a.m., with the last game at 4 p.m. HEADstrong Foundation will be hosting teams from NCAA Division I, II and III schools. Over the past four years, the foundation has been able to raise approximately $650,000 for the blood cancer research and family assistance.

Participating teams sell HEADstrong T-shirts on their campus, raising funds and awareness of this disease. All proceeds go to the Blood Cancer Research & Family Assistance. Teams are assigned a “HEADstrong Honorary Captain,” someone who is currently dealing with blood cancer. The Honorary Captains stay with teams for the day, to inspire them, and to show them their relentless spirit.

Single day admission for the event is $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 years old and under, and free for children under 5 years old. A two-day pass is $15 for adults and $7 for children 12 years old and under. HEADstrong partners with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the “Be the Match” Bone Marrow Donor Drive Registry.

Cheryl Colleluori said, “We would not exist if it weren’t for the lacrosse community, they have become our encouragement.”

About the HEADstrong Foundation:The HEADstrong Foundation was founded in memory of the late Nick Colleluori who passed away in 2006 from Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma at the age of 21. During his 14-month battle with cancer, he devoted his time to creating the foundation to help those who have been diagnosed with blood cancer and put an end to this horrible disease. To learn more about Nick and the HEADstrong Foundation, visit www.HEADstrongfoundation.org.

# # #

Note to Journalists: If you would like more information on this topic or would like to schedule an interview, please contact Cheryl Colleluori at [email protected] or by calling 610.461.5987.

Relentless Spirit of Nick Colleluori Lives On Through Annual Lacrosse ClassicThe HEADstrong Foundation Aims to Raise Money to Combat Blood Cancer

HEADstrong FoundationGetting a HEAD of CancerContact: Cheryl Colleluori

Phone: 610.461.5987Email: [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Appendix VI

HOLMES, Pa. -- Oct. 4, 2011 -- On Tuesday Sept. 27, 2011, The HEADstrong Foundation celebrated the grand opening of “Nick’s House” a two-story commercial property that will now serve as the official “HEAD”quarters for the foundation, while providing a free two-bedroom apartment to families with loved ones being treated in the area. The opening of Nick’s House furthers the organization’s mission by lessening the financial burden put on families battling cancer and providing them with all of the comforts of home, including computer access and laundry facilities. Nick’s House was established through the generosity and vision of the family and friends of Nick Colleluori. The property, having been abandoned for three years and under major disrepair, was acquired by the organization and renovated and furnished entirely with donated goods and services. After five months of work and service from volunteers, the organization has opened its doors as a haven for families battling cancer in the Philadelphia Metro area. The property will be able to fully house two families, complete with two bedrooms and a living room and kitchen area, while providing the organization with ample office space in the bottom floor that serves as the “HEAD”quarters for the foundation. The front of the structure also houses large warehouse space for apparel storage. The grand opening celebration on September 27 had an attendance of well over 200 participants, including the likes of Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett. The event drew friends and family, as well as lacrosse enthusiasts and supporters to the event. Cheryl Colleluori, president of The HEADStrong Foundation, said, “We are very humbled that people believe in us and that the lacrosse world has been so supportive. Nicholas is our inspiration and the lacrosse community is our encouragement.” Families inquiring about Nick’s House should send an email to [email protected]. About The HEADStrong FoundationThe HEADstrong Foundation was founded in memory of the late Nick Colleluori who passed away in 2006 from Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma at the age of 21. During his 14-month battle with cancer, he devoted his time to creating the foundation to help those who have been diagnosed with blood cancer and put an end to this horrible disease. To learn more about Nick and the HEADstrong Foundation, visit www.HEADstrongfoundation.org.

# # #

Note to Journalists: If you would like more information on this topic or would like to schedule an interview, please contact Cheryl Colleluori at [email protected] or by calling 610-461-5987

Local Nonprofit Opens its Doors to Help Families Fighting CancerThe HEADstrong Foundation Celebrates the Opening of Nick’s House

HEADstrong FoundationGetting a HEAD of CancerContact: Cheryl Colleluori

Phone: 610.461.5987Email: [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Appendix VII