Student Council, Hoo Crew raise funds for athlete

Student Council and Hoo Crew are launching a joint fundraiser called “Hoos for Herzlich” to honor Boston College athlete Mark Herzlich, the 2008 ACC Defensive Football Player of the Year who was diagnosed this spring with Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare form of cancer.

Council and Hoo Crew will work to raise money for Uplifting Athletes, a non-profit organization comprised of current student-football athletes who raise awareness of and funding for rare diseases.

“We want to do our part to support our fellow conference athlete … with a goal of raising $10,000 before Boston College comes to play here on Nov. 14,” said David Hondula, Council’s athletic affairs committee chair.

Several other schools in the ACC also have been working toward raising funds for Herzlich, Hoo Crew President Tim McGarry said.

“Other schools have done this to champion his cause… and Virginia certainly has to get involved in this program,” he said.

Herzlich teamed with Uplifting Athletes during his battle with cancer. He recently announced that he is 99 percent cancer free after a series of radiation and chemotherapy treatments, McGarry said.

Students can help Herzlich in the final step of his battle with the disease by donating online and in donation bins that will be placed across Grounds and on the Corner, McGarry said. Additionally, Hondula said student volunteers will be stationed outside the gates of Scott Stadium at this Saturday’s football game against Duke University to collect donations.

“We’re hoping for contributions from many students and … generous donations from community members to help us reach our goals,” Hondula added.

The University’s fundraiser has already picked up national media attention as well.

“This is such an exciting story that ESPN has already picked it up on their blog,” Hondula said.

Students also can make contributions online at www.upliftingathletes.org/hoosforherzlich.