Kick Cancer: USA CUP alumnus’ daughter battles pediatric cancer

At this year’s Target USA CUP Kick Cancer Day, we’re recognizing a USA CUP alumnus’ seven-year-old daughter’s battle with cancer. Harper, our Kick Cancer Warrior, is from Cottage Grove and has demonstrated the strength and courage required to take on pediatric cancer face-to-face.

After tests for mono and the flu returned negative in February, a bone marrow biopsy concluded that Harper would be diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukemia on the first day of April. Childhood lymphoblastic leukemia is a type of cancer in which bone marrow makes too many immature white blood cells—the most common type of cancer in children.

Knowing of the battle ahead of her, Harper faced her diagnosis head-on. Despite feeling tired and exhausted, she channeled strength and courage to educate her younger sister, Faelyn, and her classmates about her situation and the road ahead. “I’m so proud of the exposure she’s bringing to everyone about her cancer experience,” her father Kyle said. “She’s open to talking about it so people understand what kids go through. Before Harper was diagnosed, we knew very little about childhood cancer, and I think our circle has learned so much just from how Harper talks about it.”

Every year, 300,000 children are diagnosed with cancer around the world. Help us Kick Cancer this year and ensure no one fights alone by wearing gold on Wednesday, July 14 at USA CUP.

Kick Cancer is a benefit to support the fight against pediatric cancer. All proceeds from this event are donated to The University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital. This year, our goal is to donate $10,000 towards pediatric cancer. The main Kick Cancer event will be held all day on Wednesday, July 14^th.

Target USA CUP will celebrate the Kick Cancer initiative by decorating the National Sports Center campus in gold and offering a variety of donation opportunities. Players who score a goal and goalies who earn a shutout should head to the Kick Cancer Headquarters inside the Sports Expo Center to report their accomplishment; in turn, Target USA CUP will donate $1 per goal or shutout to the cause. Participants and spectators will also be able to donate at Kick Cancer Headquarters or text USACUP to 41444. Help us reach our goal in the fight against pediatric cancer!