UC Football and Student Government Unite Behind Mitch’s Mission 

 CINCINNATI –“There are some things in the world that are bigger than football,” says University of Cincinnati (UC) football Head Coach Brian Kelly concerning Mitch’s Mission.  The UC Football Team and Student Government (SG) have joined forces to support 11 year old cancer patient, Mitch Stone, by taking donations of $3 for red, white and blue wrist bands to help Mitch’s family tackle medical costs and visibly support one of the Bearcats greatest fans.

The team adopted Mitch, the son of two UC alumni, Dee and Anthony Stone, through Friends of Jaclyn, a non-profit organization that pairs pediatric brain tumor patients with sports teams.  According to the New York Times, Bearcats Football is the first “Football Bowl Subdivision to ever ‘adopt’ a child” with Friends of Jaclyn.  After hearing of Mitch’s bravery, SG joined the fight for Mitch’s recovery.

“The minute I heard about what the football team was doing, I wanted Student Government to be involved,” said Tim Lolli, Student Body President.  “Mitch’s adoption by the football team brought him into our UC family.  Therefore, we embrace him as a member of our community and want to support him and the football team with Mitch’s Mission.”

SG Public Relations Director Sean Huff has big plans and says, “I hope that the Mitch’s Mission Bearcat Bracelets will be worn proudly throughout our community and have even a fraction of the impact the LiveStrong bracelets do!”  Wristbands will go on sale November 5th at the University Pavilion’s One Stop Center, the Tangeman University Center (TUC) bookstore, the Academic Health Center’s bookstore and TUC’s MainStreet Connection Office. 

For more information or leave Mitch a message please visit the Mitch’s Mission website at www.mitchsmission.com.

ABOUT THE FRIENDS OF JACLYN FOUNDATION

The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, charitable organization that improves the quality of life for children suffering with pediatric brain tumors and their families. FOJ is all about love, support, and friendship. FOJ matches a child with a college or high school sports team based on geographic location. Once the team and child have been matched, there is a ceremonial adoption.

The Student Government (SG) represents more than 37,000 students at the University of Cincinnati.  SG is composed of over 40 active, elected senators, a president, a vice president, a cabinet and an executive board.  There are three different branches of SG including University Funding Board, Student Activities Board and Nightwalk Safety Board.  SG has been in its current state since the 1940s and has been responsible for over 3000 different student initiatives.  www.uc.edu/sga