The athletic fields of Kings Park High School were bathed in yellow as spectators, coaches and players united for the 2nd Annual Laurenstrong event, Thursday afternoon in a game against West Babylon.
The fundraiser, organized the girls varsity soccer team was in support of their teammate, Lauren Lenardi, who is fighting a rare form of cancer that has kept her sidelined from the field and out of school for two years.
It was also Lauren's 16th birthday.
At half time, the varsity, West Babylon, junior varsity and middle school team met in the middle of the field with Lauren, her mom, sister and friends where a birthday cake was waiting. Together, they joined and sang Lauren Happy Birthday.
"Lauren is an amazing person with tremendous spirit, optimism, courage, strength and wisdom beyond her years," said girls varsity soccer coach, Bridget Keenan in an email to Patch. "We are blessed to know Lauren and all that she stands for. I hope that at least one time in our lives that each of us can find the inner strength that Lauren finds each day."
In the end, Kings Park came out on top, edging out West Babylon 3-2 in an overtime win in a game that showed tremendous spirit, sportsmanship and support for a fellow student athlete.
