Wings go Green for HEADstrong

By Timothy Logue, Delco Times

The Philadelphia Wings will suit up in neon green warm-ups and shoe laces tonight to generate awareness and support for the HEADstrong Foundation, a cancer-fighting non-profit founded by Nicholas “Head” Colleluori, a 2004 Ridley High School graduate who died of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

“It’s a partnership that’s been in place for a while and it means a lot to our players, especially Bill McGlone and Brett Moyer, who actually played with Nick growing up in high school,” said Wings spokesman David Aiello.

Green is the signature color of the foundation, which contributes money to cancer research, increases public awareness, and distributes grants and assistance to survivors of blood cancer and their families.

An All-Delco lacrosse and football player, Colleluori created HEADstrong to draw attention to his disease and help others affected by it, according to www.headstrongfoundation.org.

He was diagnosed with cancer during his sophomore year at Hofstra University, where he also played lacrosse, after experiencing allergy-like symptoms. He underwent intense chemotherapy and radiation treatments and a stem cell transplant before he died Nov. 28, 2006, at age 21.

In the years since, HEADstrong has continued to flourish and raise hundreds of thousands of dollars thanks to various benefits and high-profile events like the annual Nick Colleluori Classic lacrosse tournament.

“The lacrosse community is a tight-knit family and this partnership was a good fit right from the beginning,” Aiello said. “Everyone wants to help out as much as possible.”

Aiello said the Wings have helped HEADstrong with fundraising events, press releases and the production of a video. In addition to the warm-ups and shoelaces, the referees for tonight’s game against the Minnesota Swarm will wear green jerseys and Wings coaches will also be sporting green attire.

“I think the foundation is going to have a pretty large group at the game,” Aiello said. “From talking to (McGlone), I know a lot of his friends are going to be there, too.”

Another All-Delco lax player, McGlone has donated game checks to the foundation, which is now run by Nick’s mom, Cheryl Colleluori.

As of Friday, $36 lower level tickets for tonight’s game could be purchased for just $22 at the Wachovia Center box office. Fans can check on ticket availability by calling 215-389-WING or visiting www.WingsLAX.com

A portion of the proceeds from the game will go to the foundation and fans are urged to wear green and arrive early for a pre-game video and honorary face-off.

“My son showed the ultimate act of selflessness with his work on HEADstrong Foundation as he underwent a stem cell transplant and radiation in an attempt to save his life,” Cheryl Colleluori wrote on the foundation Web site, where all upcoming fundraising and outreach events are publicized. “His concern for others will always be remembered and he has left an unbelievable legacy. I’m so proud of him and the legacy he has left.”

One of the foundation’s most popular outings, Cancer Awareness Night at Citizens Bank Park, will be held Sept. 8 when the Phillies host the Marlins.