the LAMPSTRONG Foundation
positively influencing the lives of those battling cancer & encouraging survivors & their families to make the most of their second chance at life
About the foundation
The LampStrong Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2014 by Matt Lampson, current Chicago Fire goalkeeper and former goalkeeper for the Columbus Crew SC and The Ohio State University. Lampson is a stage IV Hodgkin’s Lymphoma survivor.
The mission of The LampStrong Foundation is to provide difference-making financial, emotional, and motivational support to cancer patients and families in all the stages of cancer treatment and recovery and to fund proven cancer researchers.
The vision of The LampStrong Foundation is to positively influence the lives of those battling cancer and encourage survivors and their families to make the most of their second chance at life.
The Inaugural Kick Cancer Cup
The LampStrong Foundation hosted the Inaugural Kick Cancer Cup in 2015 with local celebrities, former Ohio State University Athletes and former Crew SC players. Current Crew SC players were also in attendance. This unique soccer game was unlike any other. Players - including celebrities - had the opportunity to play on the MAPFRE Stadium pitch, the same pitch where the Columbus Crew SC plays their MLS league matches. We wanted to put on an event that would be both fun to participate and fun to attend - all while raising awareness and funds for a great cause.
Event design
I led the design effort for the logo, t-shirts, marketing materials, sponsorship packets and presentations, and day-of-game video board visuals working with Lampson and the Crew SC front desk staff.
Day of game field level LED signage
Sponsorship packets + Presentations
To be able to put on such a large event, we needed the help of generous sponsors to fund our vision. I put together presentations and packets explaining the mission and vision of The LampStrong Foundation as well as outlining the benefits of becoming a sponsor for our inaugural event. We were able to secure Adidas, Mix 107.9, MusclePharm, Vision Apparel, and Body Armor as sponsors for our event.
Thanks to our generous sponsors
T-Shirts
I designed three t-shirts for the Inaugural Kick Cancer Cup, each design is shown below. We sold these shirts in addition to the red & white game day team jerseys that were generously donated by Adidas.
The LampStrong Foundation Suck It Cancer T-Shirt
This design was inspired by the cake that Lampson receives at his yearly celebration on his cancer-free date, where he gets a cake decorated with this slogan - a tradition started by his older sister, Mallory.
The Inaugural LampStrong Foundation Kick Cancer Cup T-Shirt
The LampStrong Foundation Survive & Thrive T-Shirt
Inspired by Lampson's favorite animal, the great white shark, I designed this shirt to embody the spirit of the message Survive & Thrive.
THE FIRST-YEAR EVENT RAISED OVER $20,000 BENEFITING THE LAMPSTRONG FOUNDATION. ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE KICK CANCER CUP BENEFIT THE FOUNDATION'S MISSION, VISION, & PILLARS.
The event was featured on three televised news stations and was also featured in the Columbus Dispatch.
I AM STRONG t-shirt design
An important part of The LampStrong Foundation is the LampStrong Heroes program. In 2014, Lampson began working with Leukemia & Lymphoma Society chapters around the country to expand the Hero program to also include MLS away games.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting each and every Hero,” Lampson says, “and I cannot wait to meet even more. I have been extraordinarily passionate to show what current and former cancer patients can accomplish as long as they take that same drive and desire shown in the fight for their life, and implement it in their everyday lives.”
This t-shirt design will be printed in summer 2016 for LampStrong Heroes and supporters alike to proclaim their strength.