Go Phoenix teamwork - for Hope!

Last Sunday, Celia finished her eighth season (3 fall, 2 winter, 3 spring) with the Charles Village Phoenix soccer team. It’s been an extraordinary experience for her for the last three years. She’s made some incredible friends, learned so much about good sportsmanship and being a team player, had so much fun – oh, and gained a ton of soccer skills. And the bonus is that we have made some wonderful friends too. The Phoenix families like to cheer and chat and throw one hell of a end-of-season party.

When Hope was diagnosed, this crowd got jumped right in. Lots of rides and playdates and meals have been shared with us. But this community wanted their number one fan to know they would be rooting for her even harder than they have rooted for our big girls all these years.

First, the team made an amazing card for Hope while she was in the hospital. We love it so much it is still hanging in the dining room.

Then, Coach Jennifer ordered HOPE patches for all the girls’ jerseys! They were distributed at a Saturday morning practice and by Sunday afternoon’s first game, everyone had them on.

Then Hope received her very own Phoenix shirt (which she loves to wear to the games).

At their last game on Sunday (a win!), Hope insisted on running through the tunnel with her team!

Click here for amazing video of the Phoenix and Hope running through the parent-constructed tunnel!

And Coach Brad told me something I didn’t know. Before taking the field at each game, the Phoenix players do a cheer and this season they have said: “1, 2, 3… Go Phoenix teamwork for Hope!”

What a beautiful group of girls and families. We feel so lucky to be a part of it.