Poughkeepsie, N.Y. - The Marist College Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse teams were involved in a dual adoption from the Friends of Jaclyn Organization on April 8, 2013. The Friends of Jaclyn Organization, is an organization that pairs children with brain tumors with high school and collegiate teams in order to give them another sense of family and support during times when they need it most. The family who expressed interest in the adoption program has three children—Natalie (5 ½ years old), Xavier (4 years old), and a baby girl.
Xavier has been fighting a brain tumor and recently found out he needs to get surgery on Wednesday. Men’s Lacrosse adopted Xavier while his sister, Natalie, was adopted by Women’s Lacrosse as a part of FoJ’s program to adopt siblings who are in need of support at such a difficult time.
The adoption ceremony included Dennis Murphy (Jaclyn’s Dad), who spoke about the organization. Xavier’s and Natalie’s family had an opportunity to speak as well. Jaclyn was in attendance. Everyone involved had an amazing experience and it was a great way to first meet and welcome Xavier and Natalie to our Marist family.