Kean University Student-Athletes Adopt Nine-Year-Old Girl from Howell through Friends of Jaclyn Foundation

Photo caption: The Kean University Cougars officially welcomed Graysen McDow (front, center) to the Kean Athletics program as the Women’s Lacrosse Team recently celebrated the adoption of the nine-year old from the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation at an event in Kean Hall.

The Kean University Cougars officially welcomed Graysen McDow, resident of Howell, to the Kean Athletics program, as the Women’s Lacrosse Team recently adopted the nine-year old through the Friends of Jaclyn (FOJ) Foundation.

“Graysen becomes the third official ‘adoptee’ into the Kean Athletics family. The football team welcomed Tommy Frankel in the spring of 2010 and the women’s soccer team adopted Ashley Torbic in December of the same year,” said Chris Morgan, Director of Kean Athletics.

During the celebration at Kean Hall, Jordan Trautman, Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach, presented Graysen with her own official Kean jersey and lacrosse stick. Her parents, Ken and Patrice, in addition to her brother Ian, joined the memorable occasion.

“On behalf of my family I would like to express our utmost respect and gratitude to Friends of Jaclyn for “teaming” our warrior, Graysen, with Kean University’s Women’s Lacrosse Team. Each one of the women has demonstrated compassion through kindheartedness and acceptance of their newest Cougar LAX member,” said Mrs. McDow. “Hearing Graysen’s cancer diagnosis was shattering news. We feel enormously blessed to have the love, encouragement and companionship of the KU Women’s Lacrosse Team as Graysen begins her journey toward recovery.”

Friends of Jaclyn was inspired by Jaclyn Murphy, who was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma, a malignant brain tumor, in March 2004 when she was nine-years old. FOJ looks to improve the quality of life for children with pediatric brain tumors and their families. Jaclyn’s wish is “for all the children in the hospitals to be healed.” The nonprofit, charitable organization matches a child with a college or high school sports team based on geographic location. Currently, 375 children are paired with collegiate and high school teams in 27 different sports and disciplines, including Kean University.

“It’s true what the organization says, relationships built by Friends of Jaclyn create a loving support network for the child and provide insight into the value of life and the power of love for the student-athletes,” added Morgan.