4. R e l e n t l e s s
On November 28, 2006, the Colleluori’s lives changed forever. Nicholas “Head” Colleluori lost his
14-month battle with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at the age of 21. A 2004 graduate of Ridley High
School and Division I lacrosse player at Hofstra University, Nick defined the word “relentless” in his
battle against the cancer. He was an aggressive lacrosse player on an athletic scholarship who found
the strength to play his last lacrosse game just three months before he passed away.
It wasn’t until his sophomore year at college when he experienced allergy-like symptoms that he was
diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a vicious blood cancer that attacks the lymphatic system.
Nick battled through chemotherapy, radiation, stem cell transplants and experimental treatments. He
never lost his determination despite the physical and emotional toll it took on him and his family. Nick
devoted his last days in counseling other patients and laying out the foundation for HEADstrong.
His mother, Cheryl Colleluori, said “He was a very old soul, not your typical 19-year-old kid, always
concerned about everyone else.” In fact, he drew up the logo for HEADstrong while waiting for surgery.
His spirit lives on in the roots of HEADstrong, with his dedication and positive attitude when faced with
cancer.
A B O U T T H E O R G A N I Z AT I O N
Nick Colleluori’s mother Cheryl, along with his brother Michael, continued Nick’s dream by founding the organization in 2006.
Cheryl Colleluori promised her son she would do everything in her power to fight the disease that took his life. Cheryl said,
“Nick’s our inspiration. The lacrosse community is our encouragement.” The community she is a part of contributes to the
success of HEADstrong. Michael Colleluori, the acting vice president of HEADstrong, established Relentless Lacrosse, a
premier lacrosse league dedicated to educating players and the community about HEADstrong.
The HEADstrong Foundation works to advocate and raise money to support research on blood cancer and those affected
by the disease. The HEADstrong Foundation distributes grants and provide assistance to patients and survivors of blood
cancer. It awards scholarships and grants for students with ambitions of entering the medical field. In 2011, it introduced
the Nicholas E. Colleluori Endowment Fund to support innovative treatments for a cure. The HEADstrong Foundation has
a strong connection to the national lacrosse community given that Nick was a competitive, collegiate player, and his family
members are avid supporters. Through the sponsorship of lacrosse teams and lacrosse-related events, merchandise and
partnerships, HEADstrong Foundation is able to raise funds and awareness of blood cancer while sharing the Colleluori
family.
5. Cheryl Colleluori, president of the HEADstrong Foundation, has brought the foundation to life, working
relentlessly to make her late son’s vision a reality. Over the past five years, she has spread global awareness of
the foundation and raised funds to help carry out its mission to eradicate blood cancer.
In 2006, Cheryl made a promise to her son that she would do everything in her power to put an end to blood cancer -- and she hasn’t stopped
fighting. Telling Nicholas’ story allows her to maintain a connection with her son and help others who are coping with blood cancer. The lacrosse
community has always been a source of encouragement for the Colleluori family. Nicholas’ devotion to the sport led him to share his story with his
teammates, a group of people he knew he could count on. Cheryl believes that the growth of the HEADstrong Foundation is a phenomenon that is
powered by the spirit of Nick and unwaveringly support of the lacrosse community.
Over the past seven years, Cheryl has worked at Business Interiors by Staples, where she oversees a national support team of major project
service coordinators while devoting up to 50 hours a week to the foundation. Born and raised in the Philadelphia area, Cheryl and her husband,
Pat, raised their kids in Holmes, Pa. Cheryl is committed to the future of The HEADstrong Foundation and the newly opened Nick’s House, the new
HEADstrong Foundation headquarters and temporary home for families to stay on a complimentary basis while their children are being treated for
blood cancer.
Michael Colleluori, vice president of the HEADstrong Foundation, has dedicated himself to
promoting this nonprofit that was founded by his brother Nicholas who lost his life to blood
cancer. In his role as vice president, Michael oversees the day-to-day operations, donor
development and strategic planning. He also manages the distribution of orders and inventory control. Michael is dedicated to ensuring that the
HEADstrong Foundation stays true to its mission to put an end to blood cancer.
A prominent member of the lacrosse community, Michael is also the co-founder of Relentless Lacrosse, the premier lacrosse educator in the
Philadelphia area. Relentless Lacrosse educates all of its players about the HEADstrong Foundation, strengthening the unity within the lacrosse
community where Michael has served as a coach, teammate and leader.
Michael graduated from Hofstra University in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in community health. At Hofstra, 120 athlete making the Hofstra Athletics
Academic Honor Roll and receiving the CAA Commissioner’s Academic Award from 2006 to 2009. In 2009 Michael led the CAA Conference with the
highest assist average and was recognized as a first team all conference player. His athletic achievements were acknowledged when he was selected
to play in the North/South All-Star Game.
After graduation, Michael was hired as a research assistant at The University of Pennsylvania. After working in the Hematology Oncology Department
for two years, he began working full time as vice president at the HEADstrong Foundation.
Pat Colleluori is the director of development for the
HEADstrong Foundation. Pat is driven by his desire to use his brother’s story as a platform to spread awareness and take a stand against blood
cancer. While Pat is the newest addition to the team of full-time employees at HEADstrong, he has spent the past five years building the foundation.
As the director of development, Pat Colleluori has spearheaded the marketing and product development of the HEADstrong Foundation. His central
role in planning special events and fundraising efforts has helped propel the foundation closer to its goal of eradicating blood cancer and helping
those who are currently fighting the disease.
Pat graduated from West Chester University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies. Throughout his professional career, he
has worked in sales for the food and apparel industries. Pat’s specialization in product development has led him to collaborate with major lacrosse
manufacturers such as Warrior and Bryne, to create cutting-edge lacrosse gear that has resulted in widespread exposure for the foundation.
Pat defines himself as a compassionate consultant. Having experienced the way in which blood cancer affects a family, he is able to shape the
foundation’s offerings to cater to the needs of those who are battling the disease. Pat is committed to building personal relationships with those who
are currently fighting against blood cancer by visiting with patients weekly.
6. On Tuesday September 27, 2011, The HEADStrong Foundation celebrated the grand opening of “Nick’s House;” a two-
story commercial property that will now serve as the official “HEAD”quarters for the foundation, while providing a free
two-bedroom apartment to families with loved ones being treated in the area. The opening of Nick’s House furthers the
organization’s mission by lessening the financial burden put on families battling cancer and providing them with all of the
comforts of home, including computer access and laundry facilities. Nick’s House was established through the generosity
and vision of the family and friends of Nick Colleluori.
The two-story commercial property, having been abandoned for three years and under major disrepair, was acquired by the
organization and renovated and furnished entirely with donated goods and services. After five months of work and service
from countless volunteers, the organization has opened its doors to unveil the new structure that is now a haven for families
battling cancer in the Philadelphia Metro area. The property will be able to fully house two families, complete with two
bedrooms and a living room and kitchen area, while providing the organization with ample office space in the bottom floor
that will serve as the “HEAD”quarters for the foundation. The front of the structure also houses large warehouse space for
apparel storage.
The grand opening celebration on September 27, 2011, drew in crowds of close to 200, including the likes of Pennsylvania
Governor Tom Corbett. Family, friends, and donors gathered to honor the life of an incredible young man and the celebration
of a huge milestone in the legacy that he has left.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11. Appendix VI
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HEADstrong Foundation
Getting a HEAD of Cancer
Contact: Cheryl Colleluori
Phone: 610.461.5987
Email: HEADStrongFoundation@gmail.com
Relentless Spirit of Nick Colleluori Lives On Through Annual Lacrosse Classic
The HEADstrong Foundation Aims to Raise Money to Combat Blood Cancer
FOLSOM, Pa.- Oct. 4, 2011- The annual Nick Colleluori Lacrosse Classic is about to kick off its fifth tournament for
the HEADstrong Foundation at Ridley High School in Folsom, Pa. The tournament will be held Oct. 8 and 9, kicking off
at 9:30 a.m., with the last game at 4 p.m. HEADstrong Foundation will be hosting teams from NCAA Division I, II and
III schools. Over the past four years, the foundation has been able to raise approximately $650,000 for the blood cancer
research and family assistance.
Participating teams sell HEADstrong T-shirts on their campus, raising funds and awareness of this disease. All proceeds
go to the Blood Cancer Research & Family Assistance. Teams are assigned a “HEADstrong Honorary Captain,” someone
who is currently dealing with blood cancer. The Honorary Captains stay with teams for the day, to inspire them, and to
show them their relentless spirit.
Single day admission for the event is $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 years old and under, and free for children under
5 years old. A two-day pass is $15 for adults and $7 for children 12 years old and under. HEADstrong partners with the
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the “Be the Match” Bone Marrow Donor Drive Registry.
Cheryl Colleluori said, “We would not exist if it weren’t for the lacrosse community, they have become our
encouragement.”
About the HEADstrong Foundation:
The HEADstrong Foundation was founded in memory of the late Nick Colleluori who passed away in 2006 from Non-
Hodgkins Lymphoma at the age of 21. During his 14-month battle with cancer, he devoted his time to creating the
foundation to help those who have been diagnosed with blood cancer and put an end to this horrible disease. To learn
more about Nick and the HEADstrong Foundation, visit www.HEADstrongfoundation.org.
###
Note to Journalists: If you would like more information on this topic or would like to schedule an interview, please contact
Cheryl Colleluori at HEADStrongFoundation@gmail.com or by calling 610.461.5987.
12. Appendix VII
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HEADstrong Foundation
Getting a HEAD of Cancer
Contact: Cheryl Colleluori
Phone: 610.461.5987
Email: HEADStrongFoundation@gmail.com
Local Nonprofit Opens its Doors to Help Families Fighting Cancer
The HEADstrong Foundation Celebrates the Opening of Nick’s House
HOLMES, Pa. -- Oct. 4, 2011 -- On Tuesday Sept. 27, 2011, The HEADstrong Foundation celebrated the grand
opening of “Nick’s House” a two-story commercial property that will now serve as the official “HEAD”quarters
for the foundation, while providing a free two-bedroom apartment to families with loved ones being treated in
the area. The opening of Nick’s House furthers the organization’s mission by lessening the financial burden put
on families battling cancer and providing them with all of the comforts of home, including computer access and
laundry facilities. Nick’s House was established through the generosity and vision of the family and friends of
Nick Colleluori.
The property, having been abandoned for three years and under major disrepair, was acquired by the
organization and renovated and furnished entirely with donated goods and services. After five months of work
and service from volunteers, the organization has opened its doors as a haven for families battling cancer in the
Philadelphia Metro area. The property will be able to fully house two families, complete with two bedrooms and
a living room and kitchen area, while providing the organization with ample office space in the bottom floor that
serves as the “HEAD”quarters for the foundation. The front of the structure also houses large warehouse space
for apparel storage.
The grand opening celebration on September 27 had an attendance of well over 200 participants, including the
likes of Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett. The event drew friends and family, as well as lacrosse enthusiasts
and supporters to the event. Cheryl Colleluori, president of The HEADStrong Foundation, said, “We are very
humbled that people believe in us and that the lacrosse world has been so supportive. Nicholas is our inspiration
and the lacrosse community is our encouragement.” Families inquiring about Nick’s House should send an
email to HEADstrongfoundation@gmail.com.
About The HEADStrong Foundation
The HEADstrong Foundation was founded in memory of the late Nick Colleluori who passed away in
2006 from Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma at the age of 21. During his 14-month battle with cancer, he devoted
his time to creating the foundation to help those who have been diagnosed with blood cancer and put
an end to this horrible disease. To learn more about Nick and the HEADstrong Foundation, visit www.
HEADstrongfoundation.org.
###
Note to Journalists: If you would like more information on this topic or would like to schedule an interview,
please contact Cheryl Colleluori at HEADStrongFoundation@gmail.com or by calling 610-461-5987