D.C. United features CWFund honoree and cancer survivor Diweni Jituboh as honored guest during their 2019 Home Season Opener
WASHINGTON, D.C.–D.C. United shared the spotlight with Craig Willinger Fund honoree Diweni Jituboh at their inaugural home opener at Audi Field on Sunday, March 3 vs. 2018 MLS Cup Champions Atlanta United.
16-year-old Jituboh was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in March 2017. Although she is currently cancer free, her treatment required a full knee replacement that ended her dreams of playing soccer at an elite level.
Diweni’s honored guest status was revealed by D.C. United captain and international soccer stand out Wayne Rooney after a training session on Friday, March 1. She participated in Sunday’s pregame coin toss and ceremonial kickoff, and was also featured in a live stadium broadcast during halftime. The Wylie, Texas teen was also gifted Rooney’s game-worn jersey after United’s definitive win against Atlanta.
“We are fortunate to witness the generosity of soccer clubs and players at the Craig Willinger Fund, including those at international clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, A.C. Milan, Chelsea and others,” stated CWFund board member Johanna Agueda. “D.C. United and Wayne Rooney really went the distance for Diweni and showed they are on par with any club in the world.”
Diweni was also surprised with news that she will travel to see Manchester United play Watford at Old Trafford on March 30. Follow Diweni on her dream trip at www.facebook.com/cwfund and on Twitter @theCWFund using #cwfdiweni.
Based in Baltimore, Maryland, the Craig Willinger Fund seeks to improve the lives of children and young adults stricken with cancer by providing once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to experience world-class soccer—both domestically and abroad. Since 2010, fourteen honorees have traveled to South Africa, Barcelona, Milan, London, Madrid, New York City, Kansas City, Washington D.C., Manchester (UK), Leicester (UK), and Brazil, including two World Cup tournaments and a UEFA Champions League Final. Visit www.cwfund.org for more information.
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FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES CONTACT:
Emily Agueda
443.739.6875
emily@cwfund.org