A parent’s fear of losing their child is an emotion that no human should endure. It’s a sentiment that, for perhaps the first time in their life, their child’s fragile life is completely and utterly out of their control. They are left feeling complete impotence, instilling a whirlwind of anxiety and horror of losing their child. It is this very powerlessness that causes an immediate connotation to dread and fear of death when one hears the word “cancer.”
These incredibly heartbreaking emotions that toddlers, children, adults and families face on a daily basis continue to occur. However, while the inevitability of such will be ever-present, the oncological field continues to erupt with cures, breakthroughs and more effective, gentler treatments. It is due to the incredibly generous and heartwarming donations from all over the world to fund cancer research that such miracles may transpire. Thus, it is imperative to take the initiative to make a difference, just as Major League Soccer is doing with its ‘Kick Childhood Cancer’ campaign in September, which serves as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Educating one’s self on the devastating effects of cancer and the lives that it impacts will only make the global awareness propagate.
WATCH: Matt Lampson discusses his personal cancer battle
Following my cancer diagnosis at the age of 17, I received treatment at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, and witnessed the aforementioned emotional heartbreak on a daily basis. I had observed the ebbs and flows of daily cancer treatment. I was there to see the two-year-old patients, knowing no life other than that with tubes, needles and pain being the norm, undergo the trials of a life or death struggle. Having completed treatment, I fought my way back from an exceptionally poor physical condition, and finally found myself playing the beautiful game once again. My fight was over, but I knew that there would be an inevitable flow of young children still occupying the rooms of Nationwide Children’s Hospital. It is this revelation that spurred me to start The Lampstrong Foundation. I was passionate to give patients and families support, care and HOPE.
One of the first initiatives undertaken was that of the LampStrong Hero Program. It is an effort to bring cancer patients or survivors and their families out on to the field to meet me and talk after a game. What started as only taking place for home games quickly expanded to away matches as well. It was an opportunity to expand my message and story to cities all over the country. With each hero and family I met, the expression of hope was palpable. I quickly realized that it was the relatability that made the experience so profound.
With every hero, I began to compare chemotherapy port scars. It is during the scar comparison that I feel my heroes fully understand the relationship between us. It took me over a year to realize what this program truly meant to these patients and families. I believe it was my ever-supportive parents that brought to light that I was a beacon of hope to them. I represented exactly what they could do, be or achieve following treatment. This is the exact message I instill in these survivors every single match. I have had the honor of hosting people from every race, age, and economic background. Cancer does not discriminate.
Tickets: Fire vs. Philadelphia Union
Due to my age and place of treatment, I have always focused on the young adult and adolescent demographic. I feel these are exceedingly fragile years both socially and developmentally, and I believe my message to them has the potential to have a resounding impact. I’m able to relate to them, guide them and inspire them to be everything they have ever wanted following their treatment. I ensure them that nothing will ever be as difficult to overcome as their struggle for their own life, and it’s that initiative that will help them achieve anything that they imagine.
If there is one aspect of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month that I encourage within our community, it is that we not distinguish such passion and consciousness to a mere month. Cancer is a year-long affliction that continually requires support and care. It is my goal that this month of September, Major League Soccer and the Chicago Fire instill a lifelong enthusiasm for cancer cognizance and assistance both locally and league wide, and that we end the repugnant plight of cancer for generations to come.
Matt Lampson is a goalkeeper for the Chicago Fire.
