Los Angeles--With the FIFA World Cup just days away, a roster of soccer legends — including Mia Hamm, Brandi Chastain, Julie Foudy, and Landon Donovan — are teaming up with athletes, influencers and entertainment personalities to launch a social media challenge designed to raise critical funding for childhood cancer research.
Beginning June 4, the "More Than 4 Challenge" invites people everywhere to try juggling — whether it's a soccer ball, a piece of fruit, a toilet paper roll, or any household item — and share their attempt on social media https://www.pledge.to/mt4zoesgoal. Participants are encouraged to make a minimum $4 donation to Zoe's Goal and challenge four friends or family members to do the same within 44 hours.
The number four carries deep meaning throughout this campaign:
· The challenge launches June 4 — just days before the FIFA World Cup begins, when the world's attention turns to the beautiful game
· It was inspired by Zoe Suder who is courageously facing her fourth cancer diagnosis
· The minimum donation is $4
· Only 4% of federal cancer research funding is allocated to childhood cancer — despite cancer being the leading cause of disease-related death among children in the United States
"I have spent time with Zoe in the hospital and I can tell you — her strength, her spirit, her determination to turn her own pain into something that helps other kids — it is unlike anything I have ever witnessed," said Mia Hamm, Zoe's Goal board member and U.S. soccer legend. "This challenge is for Zoe, and for every child and family fighting this disease with too little research funding and too little time. Please join us."
Zoe's Goal was co-founded by childhood cancer survivor and soccer player Zoe Suder and her family — both parents and her twin sister — who have stood beside her through every diagnosis and every comeback. Her mother, Leslie Suder, who competed alongside and against members of the iconic 1999 U.S. Women's National Team during her time in the national team pool, serves as CEO and Founder of the nonprofit. U.S. soccer legend Shannon MacMillan serves as COO.
"Even if you're not great at juggling, this challenge is meant to be a fun and creative way for people to show their support while helping raise funds for childhood cancer research," said Leslie. "We're encouraging everyone to give it a try, make a donation, and challenge at least four others to do the same within 44 hours to keep the momentum going."
The Story Behind the Challenge
Zoe's Goal was inspired by the journey of Zoe Suder, a 19-year-old soccer player who was first diagnosed with cancer at 15 and was on track for the youth national team, even drawing interest from college scouts. After enduring cancer treatment, Zoe fought her way back onto the soccer field — only to face the disease again. And again. Now, as the "More Than 4 Challenge" launches nationwide, Zoe is facing cancer for the fourth time. Rather than step back, she is channeling her experience into action: Zoe was a volunteer mission speaker for the American Cancer Society and has even lobbied Congress on Capitol Hill — just one week before starting another round of chemotherapy.
Donations made through the "More Than 4 Challenge" go directly toward funding research and raising awareness for childhood cancer — a cause that receives only 4% of federal cancer research funding despite being the leading cause of disease-related death among children. While Zoe's personal battle is with osteosarcoma, Zoe's Goal is committed to fighting for every child and every family facing any form of childhood cancer. To donate, participate, or learn more, visit https://www.pledge.to/mt4zoesgoal.
About Zoe's Goal
Zoe's Goal is a nonprofit foundation dedicated to funding research and raising awareness for childhood cancer — a disease that receives only 4% of federal cancer research dollars despite being the leading cause of disease-related death among children in the United States. Founded by 19-year-old cancer fighter Zoe Suder, her parents, and her twin sister, Zoe's Goal is committed to fighting for every child and every family facing childhood cancer. For more information, visit www.zoesgoal.org