15th Annual Kicks for Cancer

15^th Annual Kicks for Cancer returns to CCHS

By Kicks for Cancer Committee Members

After hosting a virtual event in 2020, the 15th annual Lois Wells Memorial Kicks for Cancer event returned to the fields at Concord-Carlisle High School this past Saturday, September 25th.  The crowds and community spirit were record-breaking!  As more than 20 towns faced off in matches throughout the day, and the CCHS teams matched up against Lincoln-Sudbury High School, the extensive fan base and community support was palpable.  This year was special!

On the field, the CCHS women’s varsity soccer team prevailed with a 2-1 win over L-S, but the men’s varsity soccer team didn’t get the result they were looking for, losing 3-2 to Lincoln-Sudbury.  However, the day is about so much more than wins and losses.  This day is about the name on your back - the person that you are honoring, remembering, celebrating.  We all have a story to share at Kicks for Cancer.

Kicks is proud of its roots - this long-standing community event has grown from one benefit game between CCHS and Boston Latin High School in October 2007 to honor the life and spirit of Lois Wells, the beloved mother of CCHS assistant soccer coach Steve Wells and his brother Dan, both CCHS alum.  Lois lost her battle with stage IV ovarian cancer less than a year after being diagnosed.  Fifteen years later, Kicks for Cancer has grown into the cornerstone of an incredible community-building weekend held every September at CCHS.  This year was unparalleled with the outpouring of community spirit and support! 

Kicks for Cancer also partners with The Mighty Moose 5k, which originated in 2018 in honor of Concord resident and mother Jenna Swaim, whose dream was to add a 5K Fun Run as part of Kicks for Cancer Weekend.  Many students and community members also came out early this past Sunday to run, walk and volunteer at the Mighty Moose - it was another joyful, celebratory day!

In addition, other CCHS athletic teams also played their part during Kicks Weekend:  field hockey (Sticks for Cancer), cross country (Kilometers for Cancer), golf (Links for Cancer), and football (Tackling Cancer together) all participated.  

Coming into this year, Kicks and the Mighty Moose had already contributed more than $1 million to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital to advance women’s cancer research over the years.  Today, the events celebrate “One Community One Goal”—both in creating a powerful sense of community and awareness and by raising funds to advance ovarian cancer prevention. 

This year’s fundraising numbers are not yet available, but organizers are optimistic as attendance and enthusiasm at the event suggest a tremendous success.

In Coach Wells’s words, “I am beyond humbled and awed by the magnitude of Kicks. The generosity of the CCHS community—and now that of many other towns—is indescribable. The time, effort, and energy put into Kicks for Cancer by Coach Pavlik and so many parent volunteers is unbelievable. Our commitment to cancer research and to the patients and families impacted by cancer is unwavering.”

Thank you, CCHS!  Kicks for Cancer can't wait to see you again next year!