Craig Willinger Fund honors Texas youth fighting cancer with dream trip to see the U.S. Women’s National Team
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 1, 2016
BALTIMORE, MD – The Craig Willinger Fund (CWFund) proudly announces 12-year-old Kodi Tutt of Sanger, Texas as its 11th honoree. Kodi and her family will travel to see the U.S. Women’s National Team face Costa Rica in Kansas City on July 22, 2016 as guests of the U.S. Soccer Federation.
Kodi was diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma at age 5 and has experienced two relapses of the disease. She has undergone chemotherapy, surgery to remove an abdominal tumor, radiation, and has participated in a Phase 1 clinical trial. Kodi and her family have traveled to San Francisco, Memphis, and Fort Worth for various stages of her treatment.
When asked about Kodi’s outlook her mom, Tracy Tutt, shared, “Throughout her journey, Kodi has remained positive and made the best of her situation. She recently told a new friend she is not sad that she has cancer. When someone tells her they are sorry for her, she tells them not to be – cancer has given her opportunity. At the age of 12, Kodi is teaching us all a lesson about life and positivity.”
With the help of FC Dallas – a charter team of Major League Soccer, the CWFund was able to surprise Kodi with the announcement of her upcoming trip to Kansas City. FC Dallas featured the Tutt Family as season ticket holders of the game during their live pre-game show and helped a CWFund representative announce Kodi’s selection as honoree.
The Craig Willinger Fund, formed in 2009, 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, honorees have traveled to South Africa, Barcelona, Milan, London, Madrid, New York City, Manchester, and Brazil, including two World Cup tournaments and a UEFA Champions League Final.
###
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES CONTACT:
Emily Agueda
443.739.6875
emily@cwfund.org