MILTON, Mass. - Thursday, September 17, 2009 will go down as one of the best days in Curry Soccer history. Not because of any result on the field but because, after a two year wait, Head Coach Peter Mendel announced to his squad a special partnership with the Friends of Jaclyn Organization and one special young boy.

In 2005, Ty Wilhelmsen was an ordinary sports-loving five year-old boy when he was diagnosed with a pediatric brain tumor.

Cue The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation (FOJ), a charitable organization that improves the quality of life for children suffering with pediatric brain tumors and their families. FOJ matches a child with a college sports team based on geographic location. The relationship is a priceless gift. The gift is in the relationship; a child is gaining a loving support network and the team is gaining an insight into the value of life and the power of love. The result of this connection is mutual respect, support, friendship and love.
Throughout the season, Ty joined the Colonels for practices, games and even the year-end banquet. Ty was named an honorary captain and will continue to serve as captain during upcoming seasons. The most memorable moment came during the FOJ Road Race when Ty accompanied the team and participated in the race himself. As the race started, Ty and several members of the team dashed out to the course. But the best was yet to come. Eventually, the majority of the runners finished and everyone soon gathered on the hill for a group picture. Ty’s parents pointed out that he was still out with some of the team.

After the picture, the Colonels slowly began disappearing back to the course. As everyone stood around talking, a cry came out, “look here they come!” Over the crest of the hill, the Colonels emerged with Ty leading the pack 100 yards from the finish line. The team had gone back out to run the last stretch with Ty and the other squad members. All the spectators quickly rushed to the finish line applauding through tears for Ty and the Curry boys running and cheering him on. 

After the race several members of the Foundation including Denis Murphy (Jaclyn’s father) commented on what a special moment and fantastic ending this was. They also said how impressed they were with the Curry squad and that this was a moment they would never forget. Curry Men’s Soccer continues to work with Ty and the FOJ and looks forward to another great year on and off the field.