Sept. 23, 2011

Having cancer or a blood disorder can mean missing out on childhood experiences often taken for granted. Because of treatment and other factors, some children find it challenging to participate in sports and other physical activities, even though these are precisely the types of actions that can lead to better health - both physically and emotionally.

On Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011, from 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. these children are invited to participate in an Iris S. & Bert L. Wolstein's Kids Kicking Cancer Soccer Skills Clinic at The Ohio State University soccer practice fields at 2450 Fred Taylor Dr., Columbus, Ohio. The skills clinic is hosted by Kids Kicking Cancer, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute and the Men's Soccer Teams at The Ohio State University and Michigan. Participants also will have an opportunity to tour campus and attend the men's soccer game where they will form a rally line and have a half-time exhibition game.

Iris S. & Bert L. Wolstein's Kids Kicking Cancer encourages young patients and survivors of cancer and blood disorders to be active and recognize the benefits of physical activity and healthy eating. The program offers a series of free athletic skills clinics in basketball, soccer, golf, tennis and swimming - all of which include lunch and are provided at no cost to participants or their families. Kids Kicking Cancer also offers dietary interventions and exercise programs to encourage year-round fitness at home, and activities for children receiving inpatient care at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital. Through these efforts, the program helps to counter potentially adverse or latent conditions that can occur in children who have had cancer, such as second occurrences and obesity.

With coaching from professional and collegiate student-athletes, as well as games involving the patients' doctors and nurses, Kids Kicking Cancer offers participants the chance to safely enjoy activity. The gratis Kids Kicking Cancer program welcomes children and adolescents, both on or off treatment for cancer and blood disorders, no matter where they receive care.

For more information or to make a donation, visit www.RainbowBabies.org/KKC or contact Kelly.DuVall@UHhospitals.org.