North Carolina State University Athletics
Volleyball Adopts a Child with Friends of Jaclyn Program
10/15/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Photo Gallery | Friends of Jaclyn Information Packet
RALEIGH, N.C. – The NC State women’s volleyball team has added a new member to the team for the remainder of the season thanks to the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation. Meghan Bunn has been adopted by the team and will join the Wolfpack on the bench for home matches.
The mission of the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation is to improve the quality of life for children and their families who are battling pediatric brain tumors and to raise awareness about this insidious disease. The organization pairs children and their families with college and high school sports teams to give them love, support and friendship as they fight this devastating disease.
Meghan was diagnosed with a Medulloblastoma in May of 2012, which is a brain tumor that resides at the base of the cerebellum and affects the spinal column as well. She received treatment at UNC’s medical center, but continued to show her loyalty to NC State by wearing Wolfpack apparel when she went in for appointments.
According to her mom Christy, Meghan is a very bright and loving child who was very involved in athletics prior to her diagnosis. One of the sports she played and enjoyed was volleyball, so she is excited to be a part of the NC State women’s volleyball team.
“Morgan (Cormier) came up with the idea to adopt Meghan as our community service project for the season,” said head coach Bryan Bunn. “It worked out great that she is Wolfpack fan and loves volleyball.
“I want our team to realize how precious life is and realize how fortunate they are to be able to play collegiate volleyball.”
The adoption ceremony took place last Wednesday, Oct. 7 in the Wolfpack’s locker room following one of the practices. At the conclusion of practice, Meghan and her mom Christy joined the team in the huddle and Coach Bunn introduced the newest member of the team.
In the locker room, Meghan was a given a contract to sign which officially made her a member of Pack. The contract encouraged her to cheer loudly at matches and also call the team if she needed them for support.
“One of my best friends is an intern with the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation and she contacted me when she saw there was a young girl in the area who wanted to be adopted by an NC State women’s team,” said redshirt sophomore Morgan Cormier. “Meghan’s story is so inspiring and I knew she would bring positive energy to our team. When we step out onto the court from now on, we’ll be playing for her.”
The women’s volleyball team is the first NC State team to partner with the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation. The program has connected more than 500 children with sports team since it was founded in 2004.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank each of you for adopting Meghan to be a part of your team and family,” said Meghan’s mom Christy. “She is so excited and humbled by this amazing experience. My ultimate dream as Meghan's mom is to one day witness her play again. I honestly do not know if that will ever happen; however, witnessing her participate in moments such as this, will fulfill a portion of that dream. You have no idea what this means to my little girl. Sometimes it’s the little things in life that bring so much purpose and perspective. So again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for bringing a smile to my little girl's face!! I am forever grateful.”
The Wolfpack returns to action on Friday, Oct. 17 when it hosts UNC Chapel Hill at 6:30 p.m. inside Reynolds Coliseum.
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