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About Lauren's First and Goal

  • Lauren’s First and Goal was established in 2004 by Marianne and John Loose in honor of their daughter Lauren, a pediatric brain and spinal cord tumor survivor.
  • The mission of Lauren’s First and Goal is to provide financial support for brain tumor research and cancer services, to offer financial and emotional support to families living with pediatric cancer, and to increase awareness of the disease -- all through the funding gained through LFG Football Camp and charitable contributions.
  • Since 2004, LFG has raised more than $2.6 million. More than $1.56 has gone directly to research facilities, while over $704,000 has been donated to pediatric cancer services and family support services.
  • Lauren’s First and Goal is operated through the generosity of volunteers; no one involved with the organization has ever received a salary.
  • LFG’s primary fundraising events are annual football camps for high school student-athletes.
  • Another fundraiser, Hope is Here to Stay, a children’s picture book that shares the story of Lauren and her family, was introduced in May 2009.
  • The newest fundraiser, the Manual of Football Drills and Skills, was introduced in May 2011. The manual contains drills and game-management strategies from more than 130 coaches across the country.

About the camps

  • LFG Football Camp is a one-day, non-contact camp for student-athletes entering grades 9-12 and current high school seniors. Participants receive instruction in a variety of offensive and defensive skills from volunteer college coaches from around the country.
  • Student-athletes who pre-registered were asked to contribute a minimal registration fee that benefits LFG, with the first 400 pre-registered campers being guaranteed t-shirts.
  • Since 2004, 30,249 high school athletes have attended the camps in Pennsylvania, Florida and Ohio. The camps have grown from 320 participants in 2004 to a record 2,504 registered student-athletes.
  • Students from 32 different states, Canada, Mexico, Germany and Singapore have participated in LFG camps.
  • More than 200 volunteers plan and execute the camps - 10 times the number of volunteers that were involved in the first camp in 2004.
  • Over 4769 coaches, representing more than 130 different colleges and universities have volunteered at the camp since 2004.
  • LFG also held camps in Florida in 2008 and 2009.
  • A 7-on-7 tournament was held on Long Island in 2010 and 2011 with proceeds benefiting LFG.