By: cancerkickers.com
When a child is diagnosed with cancer, their life is turned upside down. The child must endure physically grueling treatments while their family grapples with emotional, financial, and logistical challenges. These moments often come with overwhelming feelings of isolation and uncertainty. In times like these, having a community of support can make an immeasurable difference.
That’s where Cancer Kickers steps in. Founded in 2016 by Michelle and Chris Clothier, Cancer Kickers is an innovative nonprofit that provides children battling cancer with custom soccer kits and connects them to an online community of support. This global network offers a sense of comfort, camaraderie, and solidarity to families during their most difficult times.
Bringing Comfort Through Custom Kits
At the heart of Cancer Kickers’ mission is the custom soccer kit that each nominated child receives. These kits, carefully curated with love and attention to detail, include a personalized jersey with the child’s chosen nickname and number, along with shorts, sweatpants, a sweatshirt, t-shirts, socks, a hat, a ball, a water bottle, and a backpack. This package is more than just a collection of soccer gear—it becomes a badge of honor, symbolizing the strength and courage these children demonstrate each day.
“The kits we send out aren’t just fun soccer gear—they’re a reminder that these children are part of a team, a community that stands with them as they face one of life’s toughest battles,” says Michelle Clothier. “We want every child to feel proud and supported.”
These kits provide children with a tangible source of joy and motivation. Wearing their personalized jersey, a child is reminded of their strength, their community, and their identity beyond cancer.
Building Community Through Connection
Beyond the kits, Cancer Kickers fosters a deep sense of community that helps families connect with others facing similar challenges. Once a child is nominated to the program, their personal jersey is customized with their name and favorite number, then shipped free of charge. But the experience extends far beyond receiving the gear—it’s about building meaningful connections.
Online profiles allow teammates to share their stories and progress, creating a space for camaraderie and understanding. For many children, knowing that others are walking the same difficult path brings invaluable comfort. It reinforces that they aren’t alone in their battle against cancer.
“We’ve seen how these connections form organically,” explains Chris Clothier. “Families meet online, and those relationships become a vital source of support. They lean on each other during the toughest times.”
The sense of community is further amplified through Cancer Kickers’ social media platforms, which spotlight different teammates each week. These posts not only raise awareness for pediatric cancer but also help make each child feel celebrated and supported. The outpouring of love and encouragement in the comments provides virtual hugs when in-person contact is limited, offering another layer of emotional support to the children and their families.
By bringing families together across the globe, Cancer Kickers creates an ongoing network of empathy, understanding, and strength.
Making Global Connections
Though Cancer Kickers began in the United States, its reach has expanded across the globe. Children from North America to Europe and beyond proudly wear their custom kits as a symbol of belonging to a global team united in their fight against cancer. This international community offers more than emotional support; it often leads to practical connections that can be lifesaving.
For instance, Cancer Kickers’ online community has connected families in different countries, facilitating the sharing of information, resources, and advice. This global web of support is a testament to the organization’s far-reaching impact.
“We’ve seen families connect from all over the world, helping each other navigate difficult medical situations and finding hope in the shared experiences,” says Chris Clothier. “It’s incredible to see how a sport can unite people, even in the hardest of times.”
Strengthening the Team, One Kit at a Time
Cancer Kickers’ impact is clear. With each new kit sent, another child becomes a part of this resilient, compassionate community. While childhood cancer presents enormous challenges, the strength of the Cancer Kickers community helps to alleviate some of that burden. Families know they have a team standing beside them, offering support and encouragement every step of the way.
“Every time we send out a kit, we know we’re not just sending soccer gear. We’re sending a message of hope and a reminder that no one is fighting this battle alone,” says Michelle Clothier.
By blending the joys of soccer with the power of connection, Cancer Kickers has created a movement that celebrates resilience, teamwork, and the incredible strength of children and families facing childhood cancer. Through its custom soccer kits and global network of support, Cancer Kickers is making a profound difference, one child at a time.
A Growing Legacy
As Cancer Kickers continues to expand its reach, the impact it has on children and their families only deepens. What started as a simple idea has blossomed into a worldwide community built on the foundation of teamwork and shared experiences. The organization’s mission is clear: to bring comfort, connection, and strength to children battling cancer, no matter where they are in the world.
Chris Clothier sums up the heart of Cancer Kickers best: “We started Cancer Kickers because we believe in the power of community. When kids and families feel connected, they feel stronger, and that strength makes all the difference in the world.”
By continuing to grow and foster connections across the globe, Cancer Kickers is ensuring that every child facing cancer has a team to rely on, a community to lean on, and a soccer kit to wear with pride.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
