If you’re a Chiefs Lacrosse fan, you may have noticed that the team’s uniform looks a bit different. Traditionally, Chiefs Lacrosse uniforms are composed of a predominantly blue and gold color scheme. However, a careful observer may have noticed the introduction of a new color: orange. What’s the reason for this change? The answer is more profound than one may have thought.
The change took place in order to show Massapequa’s support for Keira Enright, a first grader at Lockhart who was recently diagnosed with leukemia. This is a type of cancer that results in the production of abnormal white blood cells and is therefore detrimental to the patient’s immune system. As the color pink is symbolic of breast cancer awareness, the color orange holds the same significance for leukemia. Because of this, the girls’ lacrosse team decided to deck out its uniforms with orange socks, ribbons, and jersey numbers. Upon each jersey the words “Keira STRONG” were inscribed.
The new uniforms debuted on April 4 during a game against Port Washington. The girls walked away with an 18-8 victory. According to varsity lacrosse player, Nicole Scicutella, “It was one of the best games we’ve played. We played for Keira so it felt really special.”
The boys’ lacrosse team wore orange shoelaces during their game against Freeport on the same day that the girls debuted their new uniforms. The boys defeated Freeport. Afterwards, in an impressive outpouring of support, the Enright family was presented with gift baskets and a financial contribution. According to Coach Zimmerman, they raised about $3,300.
Scicutella described the amount raised as “unbelievable” and she is happy that “other teams are doing fundraisers for leukemia as well.”
Keira’s parents, Jim and Heather Enright, were very grateful for all of the support that they received from the community. Their strength in dealing with such a difficult situation is highly commendable.
A couple weeks later, it was discovered that Keira had gone into remission. In other words, she is no longer exhibiting any symptoms associated with leukemia. But Scicutella said both teams will continue to wear orange in her honor for the remainder of the season. “Every single game, we still play for her.”