Yale Men Adopt Pair of Ridgefield Brothers
from press releases
NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- The Yale men's lacrosse team,
through the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation (FOJ), has adopted
brothers from Ridgefield, Conn., eight-year-old Sterling and
11-year-old Hunter Bachman. Six years ago Sterling was diagnosed
with a brain tumor, which caused blindness, seizure disorder and
NF1. The Bachman Family and the Bulldogs were connected through
this national organization.
The 38-man lacrosse team, preparing for the 2010 season and its
Feb. 27 opener against Holy Cross, will communicate with the
Bachman brothers through email and on the phone.
Sterling and Hunter, both excellent pianists, might be learning to
play some Yale fight songs while they attend selected practices and
games this spring. When the Bachman family met the lacrosse team on
Jan. 30 at Timothy Dwight College, the two youngsters entertained
the Bulldogs, each playing the piano while Sterling also sang.
Later, Hunter got out his tech decks and showed some fancy moves,
while some of the Bulldogs got their skateboards and rolled around
with him outside.
"We are excited to welcome Sterling and Hunter into the Yale
lacrosse family. We thank Denis Murphy (founder of FOJ) for the
opportunity to work with such a wonderful foundation and a special
family," said Yale assistant coach Ryan Polley. "We will be sending
emails, text messages and making phone calls on a regular basis to
both of them. The courage of these brothers has already had an
impact on the team and will serve as an inspiration for years to
come."
FOJ is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, charitable organization that
improves the quality of life for children (and families) with
pediatric brain tumors. FOJ, which is all about love, support, and
friendship, matches a child with a college or high school sports
team based on geographic location.
Sterling has been on four different protocols of chemotherapy and
had over 25 MRIs. He takes it all in stride, cheerfully and without
complaints. He is a true champ and will bring the same spirit to
the Yale lacrosse team as its most enthusiastic fan.
Although Hunter is in excellent health, he has had to live in the
constant concern for his brother's condition, visits to the
hospital, 911 calls and parents who spend a great deal of their
time coordinating Sterling's medical needs. He is thrilled to be
adopted by the team and has been wearing the Yale lacrosse t-shirts
faithfully since last weekend.
"Our introduction to the Yale lacrosse team has given our entire
family a tremendous boost. We are really excited about going to the
games and cheering on this magnificent group of young men," said
Cindy Bachman, the mother of the boys.
