May 15, 2008

Watch a preview of the feature

EVANSTON, Ill. -- On Monday, May 19, the Big Ten Network will air a 13-minute feature about the Northwestern Women's Lacrosse Team and its relationship with Jaclyn Murphy and the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation. The piece will run without commercial interruption on Monday's edition of Big Ten Tonight at 9 p.m. CT.

In 2004, the Northwestern Women's Lacrosse Team learned of a young lacrosse fan in upstate New York who was suffering from a brain tumor. The team sent then 10-year old Jaclyn Murphy some photos and cards to try to boost her spirits and since then their relationship has grown.

Jaclyn has been in attendance for all three of Northwestern's national championships. This year, she attended her first game at Northwestern. Inspired by the positive effect that the Wildcats have had on his daughter, Denis Murphy -- Jaclyn's father -- started a foundation called "Friends of Jaclyn" that helps pair other children battling brain tumors with teams at other universities throughout the country. Ann Kreiter is the reporter.

Quotes:
Kelly Amonte Hiller --
Head Coach NU Women's Lacrosse:
"Every time they stepped on the field, they wanted to play for Jaclyn."

Jaclyn Murphy:
"They [Northwestern players] sent me a media guide, they all signed it and wrote something to me, they gave me a card, and they wrote on my website, and just made me feel really well."

Denis Murphy -- Jaclyn's Father:
"Everything that Kelly and the Northwestern Wildcats were doing for Jaclyn, impacted Jaclyn's health. And I know it for a fact. I realized what this team was doing for Jaclyn, I had to do this for these other kids."