UNG Celebrates Fifth Annual Make-A-Wish Day with Six-Year-Old Alexis

University of North Georgia

DAHLONEGA, Ga. – In partnership with Make-A-Wish Georgia, the University of North Georgia celebrated its fifth annual Make-A-Wish Day by welcoming six-year-old Alexis Mendoza to the Nighthawk Nation as an honorary starter for North Georgia’s 15th-ranked women’s soccer team. The UNG Department of Athletics raised an all-time NCAA record $34,000 for Make-A-Wish in the 2015-2016 academic year, helping grant more than three wishes for Georgia children.

Alexis, a kindergartener from Canton, was diagnosed with Wilms’ tumor, a rare tumor that affects the kidneys primarily found in young children and has had to constantly battle against her life-threatening medical condition. She was welcomed to the UNG Soccer Complex Wednesday afternoon by Director of Athletics, Lindsay Reeves, and this year’s Make-A-Wish Ambassador, Taylor Allen, of the UNG women’s golf team. Reeves and Allen escorted Alexis to the pitch to meet her new teammates before their match against Wingate.

After participating in the starting lineups and national anthem as an honorary 12th starter, Alexis was escorted to her VIP tailgate area where she met with numerous UNG athletic teams, the UNG cheer squad, the Charlie Company of the Corps of Cadets, and other various student organizations. Alexis’ tailgate featured a full menu of her favorite foods that included chicken fingers, macaroni-and-cheese, chips, and cupcakes featuring Minions, her favorite movie.

Following the Nighthawks thrilling 2-1 victory over Wingate, Alexis and her family were treated to a police escort from her tailgate onto the pitch for her special signing ceremony in between matches. Backed by members of both the men’s and women’s soccer teams and the UNG cheerleaders, Alexis officially signed on as a member of the UNG women’s soccer team, with accompanying signatures from Reeves and head women’s soccer coach Chris Adams.

The night was capped off with chocolate ice cream, Alexis’ favorite dessert back at her VIP tailgate, and an autograph signing with fans in attendance.

Since 2010, UNG has raised over $107,000 for Make-A-Wish, having raised at least $10,000 in every year since 2010-2011, meaning more than 10 wishes have been granted from the efforts of the UNG community.

The NCAA and Make-A-Wish Foundation have teamed up since 2003 to raise more than $4 million toward granting the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

More than 500 “wishes” have been granted through Division II contributions, and these wishes can serve as a game changer in children’s fights against their illnesses, helping them feel better, and in some cases even get better.

 

– UNG Athletic Communications

LEE GLENN // Associate Athletic Director, External Operations
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH GEORGIA ATHLETICS

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