Shrewsbury – Cheerleaders from Shrewsbury were selected to attend a special cheer clinic run by the New England Patriots Cheerleaders Dec. 20. The Shrewsbury High School cheerleaders raised $2,403 to support adult and pediatric cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its “Cheer for Dana-Farber” fundraiser, qualifying them as one of five teams to attend the clinic at the Dana-Farber Field House at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.
The second annual Cheer for Dana-Farber fundraiser was held Aug. 1 through Nov. 27. The Shrewsbury High School cheerleaders raised money by collecting cans at football games and other sporting events in town, as well as hosting a cheer clinic for younger kids in the town of Shrewsbury and surrounding towns.
“We are so honored to have earned this opportunity,” said Maria Smith, Shrewsbury High School varsity cheerleading assistant coach. “My mother died of brain cancer in August. The care she received at Dana-Farber inspired me to have the team participate. The girls are very excited to be part of it, and of course [were] looking forward to the clinic with the Patriots Cheerleaders.”
The prizes for Cheer for Dana-Farber were graciously provided by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute trustees Robert and Daniel Kraft, the Kraft family and the New England Patriots, all longtime Dana-Farber supporters.
“We congratulate the Shrewsbury High School cheerleaders on their hard work and dedication in supporting our mission,” said Brenda Goodell, assistant vice president for event fundraising at Dana-Farber. “These young athletes are raising awareness in their local communities while truly making a difference in the fight against cancer.”
Seventy-three teams raised more than $80,000 in 2014. To learn more about Cheer for Dana-Farber, visit www.cheerfordanafarber.org or #cheerfordanafarber on Twitter.
