Avila Lady Eagles Give Back

At their season home-opener on Monday, November 2 the Avila Lady Eagles took a moment to give back to their dear neighbor. Maddux Hughes is a vibrant and endearing four-year old whose grandfather is the Head Women's Basketball Coach at Avila University. Maddux was recently diagnosed with a rare children's cancer called Ganglioneuroblastoma.  Ganglioneuroblastoma is an intermediate tumor arising from nerve tissue.  This rare disease has a yearly occurrence of less than five per one-million children.  Maddux's tumor is located devastatingly close to his spine, making treatment extremely complicated.

In an effort to help the cause, the Lady Eagles compiled resources to sell cancer awareness bracelets, complete with Maddux's name inscribed, to anyone interested in supporting his fight. They sold bracelets at football games, to their classmates, alumni, and even encouraged extended family members across the country to help out. The team hoped that their small contribution would prove beneficial for mounting medical expenses. As a result, the five dollar bracelets turned into an $1,880 profit for the Hughes family. Unaware of the ongoing efforts, Maddux's parents were honored after the game and presented with a check.

Bracelets are still available as the Lady Eagles continue to support one of their “littlest” fans.