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Harborfields Unites for Coaches vs. Cancer Games Honoring Strength, Resilience, and Hope
The Harborfields community came together in a powerful show of unity and compassion during this year’s Coaches vs. Cancer basketball games, as both the boys and girls varsity teams hosted events under a shared mission: supporting children and families impacted by cancer and celebrating the incredible strength of those fighting it.
On January 29, the boys varsity basketball team held their Coaches vs. Cancer game, honoring Washington Drive first grader Ariella and her family. Ariella was born with neuroblastoma, a rare cancer that affected both of her adrenal glands. For the first two years of her life, she underwent intensive treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering and Cohen Children’s Hospital—during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. After two long and challenging years, Ariella was declared cancer-free. Now six years old, she stands as a symbol of resilience, courage, and hope for the entire Harborfields community.
The girls varsity Coaches vs. Cancer game, held on January 27, was equally meaningful, as the team welcomed honorary captain Belle. Belle was diagnosed with Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma in her left leg and underwent a rotationplasty amputation. Following a recent relapse that required additional surgery on her arm, Belle is now cancer free and continues to live each day with remarkable strength and an inspiring smile. Her perseverance and positivity left a lasting impact on everyone in attendance.
Aside from bringing people together to raise awareness for an important cause, the students held bracelet and bake sales, and sold raffle tickets to raise funds. The district extends sincere gratitude to the student-athletes, coaches, team parents, Booster Club, Harborfields Stand Up Strong club, HF Youth Cheer, community partners, and all who attended and contributed to making these nights so meaningful.
Through these games, Harborfields demonstrated that while the teams may take the court separately, the community stands united in support, compassion, and hope. We will always be stronger together!