San Francisco — More children die from cancer in the United States than any other disease. The San Francisco State baseball team has teamed up with the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation's Vs. Cancer program to change this. Throughout the season, the baseball team is raising awareness and funds for local kids with cancer, and they will celebrate their efforts on Saturday, April 20 during their series finale against Cal State Monterey Bay.
 
Started by pediatric brain cancer survivor and former collegiate baseball player Chase Jones, Vs. Cancer empowers any sports team, any athlete, and any community to help kids with cancer. As a signature fundraising campaign of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, Vs. Cancer proceeds help fund child life programs in local hospitals and groundbreaking research to cure pediatric brain tumors, the deadliest childhood cancer. The Golden Gators have selected UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital to receive the local portion of their donation.
 
Valerie Loduem, director of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation's western region, understands how vital these student-athletes are to the nonprofit's mission. "We applaud the efforts and generous spirit of the San Francisco State baseball team! Vs. Cancer wasn't just built by athletes for athletes. We were started by a pediatric brain cancer survivor, and we see every day how important family support and research are for children to thrive. With the support of this incredible team, we're fighting for healthier, happier futures for these kids!"
 
The Gators are just over halfway to their goal of $3,000. Visit sfstategators.com/vscancer to learn more about the Gators' fundraising efforts.
 
About the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation
As the world's leading nonprofit dedicated to children and teens with brain tumors, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation's mission is to care for families along their journey, cure all childhood brain tumors, and help survivors and families thrive. In 2016 the Vs. Cancer Foundation merged with the PBTF and now is a signature fundraising campaign of the nonprofit. Since 1991, the PBTF has funded more than $30 million in research to increase survivorship, improve quality of life, and ultimately eliminate pediatric brain tumors. We also provide emotional support, information, resource referrals, and other free services to families, including emergency financial assistance, peer support, and college and vocational scholarships. In addition to Vs. Cancer, the PBTF hosts Ride for Kids and Starry Night. Visit curethekids.org/mission to join us in our mission to Care. Cure. Thrive.