Men's soccer team to host fundraiser for family of tumor patient

OU's men's soccer team are hosting a fundraiser for the family of Jonah Chrisman this September.

The mission statement for the Oakland University Athletic Department concludes with the words, "above all else we create graduates, champions and friends of the university." One of the many friends of the athletic department is Jonah Chrisman, a 15-year-old boy who just lost his battle with Osteosarcoma, a malignant tumor of the bone, that he had been fighting since 2007.

Jonah was a life-long soccer fan and a big supporter of the OU men's soccer team. The Golden Grizzlies have come to know Jonah well and to embrace him as a true friend to all the players and coaching staff. In an effort to help Jonah's family, the men's soccer team is hosting a fundraiser in conjunction with the Saturday, Sept. 18, match against Butler University.

After losing his leg to the disease, Jonah and his family decided to forgo further treatments, and he passed away in hospice care this September. For more information about Jonah , click here.

"Jonah is a big fan of OU soccer," said head coach Eric Pogue. "He has developed a special relationship with our team as we have gotten to know him and his family over the months. His family has racked up some major medical and travel bills, so we want to do anything we can to help them out with these costs."

The team will be hosting a silent auction at Ultimate Soccer Arenas starting at 6 p.m. fans can bid on a number of items, including a custom set of jerseys that the players will be wearing during the game. Additionally, OU will donate 10 percent of all the merchandise proceeds sold at the game to Jonah and his family.

Families are encouraged to attend the match with tickets at $7 for adults and $4 for children 17-and-under. There is also a special rate of $4 for groups of 25 or more and each ticket is also an entry into a special drawing at the game.

In addition to the high-level soccer, the game will feature a halftime performance by the OU dance team, a special appearance by the Oakland mascots, Grizz and Clawzz, in addition to a halftime scrimmage between local teams.

Patrons are encouraged to make donations at the game. Anyone who would like to help but is unable to attend the match can send donations to The Jonah Chrisman Family, care of Oakland University, Athletic Department, Attn: Jonah Chrisman, Fundraiser, 2200 N. Squirrel Road, Rochester, MI, 48309.

This event is a cause that is very dear to a number of people involved with OU soccer and the Oakland athletic program. However, it is being done with a tremendous amount of assistance by the Women's Over 30 Soccer and Michigan Legacy FC. To purchase tickets to the game call 248-370-3161 or click here.