The Concord-Carlisle boys varsity soccer team competed against the Lincoln-Sudbury boys varsity soccer team during the 19th annual Kicks for Cancer fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 27. (Photo Courtesy Concord-Carlisle Regional School District)
CONCORD — Donning jerseys bearing the names of loved ones, soccer players from Concord-Carlisle High School were cheered on by a crowd of thousands of fellow students, families and neighbors, continuing a beloved local tradition that combines community spirit and competition for the shared goal of tackling cancer.
Concord-Carlisle High School hosted the 19th Annual Kicks for Cancer week of events from Sept. 17-28. The annual fundraiser has now contributed more than $1 million to support cancer research since it was first held in 2007, making it the largest school-based fundraiser for the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber.
The main event for the 19th annual Kicks for Cancer weekend was the varsity girls and boys soccer teams facing off in back-to-back games against longtime rivals Lincoln-Sudbury, which took place under the lights on Saturday, Sept. 27, drawing an estimated 5,000 spectators.
Throughout the weekend, the Concord-Carlisle High School campus became the center of a full slate of athletic competition, remembrance, music, and unity, as thousands of students, families, and community members came together for a common cause. With the motto “One Community, One Goal,” students, families, and community members support this multifaceted effort in a variety of ways, such as displaying Kicks for Cancer lawn signs and purchasing branded merchandise — from Nike crewnecks and sweatpants to dog bandanas. Local businesses and other community partners created Kicks for Cancer-themed promotions throughout the week.
Beyond the athletic fields, student leaders from the Concord-Carlisle High School Class Government hosted the inaugural “Kicks Ball,” a dance held at the Concord Armory on Saturday, Sept. 20, raising more than $5,000 for this year’s Kicks for Cancer charity drive. During the Kicks for Cancer event on Sept. 27, student musicians performed at the “Picks for Cancer” concert held on the school grounds during the day to raise additional funds for the cause.
“The students should be incredibly proud that they have made this event into the largest school-based fundraiser for the Jimmy Fund,” said Trish Siefer, chairperson of the Kicks for Cancer Committee. “To have that distinction is incredibly powerful. I hope all of our students, their families and community members feel proud of that.”
The Kicks for Cancer weekend was capped off by the Mighty Moose 5K on Sunday morning, Sept. 28, bringing even more community members together to run and raise funds in support of the cause.
“It’s hard to put into words how special this weekend is,” said Siefer, who has helped with the event since 2016, and began leading it in 2019. “I think the entire community should be incredibly proud. Kicks for Cancer truly highlights who we are — a compassionate, supportive, and caring community that comes together to do good.”
The total amount of money raised and donated to the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber as a result of this year’s Kicks for Cancer events has not yet been calculated, as additional donations continue to come in and expenses are still being processed. A final count is expected in November.
Supporters of the Kicks for Cancer cause can still donate to this year’s fundraiser by going online to www.kicksforcancer.org.
Since its founding, Kicks for Cancer has donated over $1 million to Dana-Farber to support research specifically into women’s cancers, with a particular focus on early detection of ovarian cancer. The $1 million raised to support cancer research since its inception in 2007 makes it the largest school-based fundraiser for the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber.
Earlier this year, in recognition of the success of the event, Dana-Farber invited organizers to establish the Concord-Carlisle Kicks for Cancer Fund which enables year-round fundraising as well as creating stronger connections with the doctors and researchers whose work is supported by the events. The fund directly supports the work of Dr. Dipanjan Chowdhury who leads a clinical trial on blood-based microRNA testing for early detection of ovarian cancer, which is a critical step toward more affordable and accessible screening.
“The funds raised by Kicks for Cancer make a real impact on research. Our students and supporters are saving lives,” Siefer said. “We hope that it leads to many, many women surviving this terrible disease, allowing children to keep hold of their mothers and families to keep hold of their loved ones.”
During the weekend, each athlete who participated wore a jersey bearing the name of someone in their life who has battled cancer — a beloved family member, friend, or community member — creating a deeply personal connection to the cause.
The event also included tributes to cherished members of the Concord-Carlisle community. This year, organizers honored Dr. Robin Cicchetti, a beloved Concord-Carlisle High School librarian who passed away in June from a rare form of eye cancer. Her favorite books were featured on bookmarks distributed at the event, alongside posters encouraging students and guests to reflect on her lifelong love of reading.
Kicks for Cancer also continues to embody the district’s commitment to sustainability. In honor of late teacher Peter Nichol, who was passionate about environmental issues, the event now operates as a “clean event,” featuring recycling and composting stations throughout the campus.
The Kicks for Cancer event was originally organized in 2007 by Concord-Carlisle boys varsity soccer coach Ray Pavlik as a single soccer game held as a tribute in memory of Lois Wells, mother of assistant coach Steve Wells and his brother Dan, following her death caused by stage IV ovarian cancer. Since then, Kicks for Cancer has grown into a full week of events that are inclusive of all students, alumni, and community members, who all return year after year to take part as athletes, volunteers, and donors.
“It’s a beautiful story with so many layers,” Siefer said. “Every year it grows, and every year it reminds us of the power of community and the good we can do together.”
Event organizers are now looking ahead to next year’s 20th annual Kicks for Cancer fundraiser, which is scheduled for Sept. 26-27, 2026.
Superintendent Dr. Laurie Hunter and Co-Principals Brian Miller and Katie Stahl congratulated and thanked all the students, families, and volunteers who help make Kicks for Cancer a success.
“Every year, Kicks for Cancer demonstrates the best of our Concord-Carlisle community,” said Superintendent Dr. Hunter. “It’s not just about the athletic competition, it is about students stepping up, honoring loved ones, and coming together to make a meaningful contribution to the fight against cancer.”
“Watching our students, alumni and community members rally around this cause is inspiring,” said Co-Principal Miller. “The tradition that started with one memorial game has grown into something truly remarkable.”
“The creativity, dedication, and compassion that our students and community members bring to Kicks for Cancer make this weekend unforgettable,” said Co-Principal Stahl. “It’s a testament to what can happen when a community unites for a common goal.”
For more information or to get involved, visit www.kicksforcancer.org.
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The Concord-Carlisle boys varsity soccer team played against the Lincoln-Sudbury boys varsity soccer team during the 19th annual Kicks for Cancer. (Photo Courtesy Concord Public Schools and Concord-Carlisle Regional School District)
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