Bengals Boys Soccer Team Holds Childhood Cancer Fundraiser

OAK FOREST, IL — The Oak Forest boys soccer team is looking to "kick" childhood cancer by raising money Monday for kids who have been affected by the disease. The effort was inspired by stories that hit close to home.

Because September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the student athletes saw it as a perfect opportunity to give back to the community and support a cause that has been closely affiliated to their team, a district spokesperson said.

The fundraiser will be held Monday at 6 p.m. as the Bengals take on Oak Lawn Community High School. Bengals players will escorting childhood cancer survivors onto the field in a public salute to demonstrate their support for them. Pablo Flores, an Oak Forest soccer coach and former team member who was diagnosed with osteosarcoma when he was 18, will be part one of the escorts. Several children supported by Project Fire Buddies also will attend.

"We want to show these little kids they have support and show them the community is there for them," said Eileen Flores, a team booster and Pablo's mother.

Entry to the game is free. Donations will be made through basket raffles, a bake sale and a split-the-pot raffle. All proceeds will be donated to the Midlothian-based The Andrew Weishar Foundation, The LampStrong Foundation and A Special Wish Chicago.

For questions or to donate, contact Coach Kieran Byrne at 708-704-4487 or Flores at 708-220-9019. A community member or family who would like to join players on the field may make a request through Byrne or Flores, as well.