HARRISON, N.J. (September 20, 2018) – New York Red Bulls players will wear custom boots to support and raise awareness for Tackle Kids Cancer during warmups for Saturday’s home match against Toronto FC. The boots were designed by the players and pediatric cancer patients from the New York/New Jersey area.

“We are very proud to further our partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health and Tackle Kids Cancer,” said Red Bulls General Manager Marc de Grandpre. “The collaborative effort and spirit of this project are a shining example of what we as an organization strive for: using the power of sport to be leaders in the community, championing worthwhile causes, and inspiring those who are experiencing difficult times in their lives.”

The boots were designed by pediatric cancer patients and their families during visits to the Red Bulls Training Facility over the course of the Summer months. Each child was paired with a Red Bulls player, and the two spent time together before sketching out their ideas. The boots were hand painted by local artist Jessie Kavana.

"Over the past couple of years, through Tackle Kids Cancer and our partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health, we have been able to provide opportunities for players to make a difference in the lives of others, but in the end, the players end up realizing that with those visits and those experiences that the kids make a difference in their lives as well," said Red Bulls Captain Luis Robles. "I know with this organization we constantly say that we want to be a part of the community, we want to be in the community and it is through Tackle Kids Cancer that we have an opportunity to serve our community, and through the sport of soccer we can make a difference in the lives of others."

The Children’s Cancer Institute at Hackensack Meridian Health started an initiative to raise funds and awareness for pediatric cancer patients called Tackle Kids Cancer. Dedicated clinicians and researchers are making strides by advancing research and providing children access to the highest level of care.

One hundred percent of all donations made to Tackle Kids Cancer benefit the essential clinical care, unique support services and groundbreaking cancer research needed to find a cure.

“Seeing the joy on our patients’ faces is heartwarming,” said Helen A. Cunning, President of Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation. “These children are living through very difficult circumstances. The Tackle Kids Cancer partnership with the Red Bulls helps us create special experiences that not only allow us to build awareness and raise crucial funds, but also provides our patients with a memorable and fun experience.”

Doctors and nurses from Hackensack Meridian Health will hold the on-field banners during the national anthem on Saturday night, and the player escorts for both teams will be Pediatric Cancer patients.

Tickets for this weekend’s match are still available. The New York Red Bulls have also teamed up with Tackle Kids Cancer and Love Your Melon to raise awareness and funds for Pediatric Cancer research. Tickets purchased through this link will receive a special Limited Edition New York Red Bulls and Love Your Melon beanie, as well as a Red Bulls and Tackle Kids Cancer scarf. A portion of each ticket sold will be donated back to Love Your Melon and Tackle Kids Cancer.

Love Your Melon is an apparel brand dedicated to giving a hat to every child battling cancer in America as well as supporting nonprofit organizations who lead the fight against pediatric cancer. Fifty percent of net profits from the sale of all Love Your Melon products is donated to Love Your Melon’s nonprofit partners in the fight against pediatric cancer.



Tackle Kids Cancer Boot Designs by New York Red Bulls on Exposure