03/29/2024
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Harrells Christian Academy senior kicker Will deAndrade is raising money to battle cancer this season through his efforts on the football gridiron for the Crusaders.

DeAndrade has pledged money to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for every one of his kickoffs that travels over 55 yards. Will set a goal to have 50 kicks over 55 yards in hopes of raising over $1,000. So far this season he has booted 45 kickoffs of over 55 yards and has raised $2,150.

The Crusader senior learned about the campaign during a trip to Wisconsin this past summer at the Kohl’s and ESPN National Innovational Scholarship Camp.

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) partnered with Kohl’s to develop a program through which youth sports could help. Last year their partnership helped raise 2 million dollars for the foundation.

ALSF was started by a Connecticut girl, Alexandra Scott, who raised over $2,000 in her front yard lemonade stand when she was 4-years-old and battling cancer. By the time of her death from cancer at the age of 8 in 2004, she had raised $1 million and inspired a legacy of hope and cures for childhood cancer.

Nearly 1000 research grants at 135 institutions have been funded by ALSF. The foundation also provides emotional, financial and logistical support to childhood cancer families making their challenges more manageable.

Two of Will’s grandparents have fought battles with cancer, and deAndrade also recognized Bladen County’s Cody Clark as a young person who is fighting an inspiring battle with cancer as well.

DeAndrade grew up as a soccer player through middle school but then turned to football and kicking at the end of his freshman year of high school. He is in his third season as Harrells’ starting kicker and is ranked first in the Big East Conference and in the top 3 in the state.

“Will truly has a passion for the game of football and kicking,” said his father David deAndrade.

Harrells Christian completed the regular season with an 8-2 record and will host SouthLake Christian from Huntersville Friday at 7 p.m. in the opening round of the NCISAA Division III playoffs.

Will is the son of David and Marcia deAndrade.

For more information about helping with Will’s Kick-It campaign go to Kick-It! with Will deAndrade

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