ORLANDO, Fla. (Dec. 11, 2019) - Orlando Pride and the Chicago Red Stars today announced that a total of $45,146 was raised through the league-wide initiative to benefit Libby’s Legacy, an Orlando-based non-profit selected by Pride defender Toni Pressley.
Pressley, 29, was diagnosed with breast cancer in July of this year and underwent surgery a month later to remove the cancer from her body. She returned to the pitch just two months later in the Pride’s season finale against Reign FC on October 12 - a night that also served as the Club’s first ever Breast Cancer Awareness Match.
In a rallying cry for Pressley and those impacted by breast cancer, teams and players of the NWSL organized a league-wide auction to benefit Libby’s Legacy. The auction included autographed jerseys, cleats, and unique items such as player-created art and signed books. 2019 FIFA Women’s Player of the Year Megan Rapinoe, two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion Alex Morgan, 2019 NWSL Golden Boot Winner Sam Kerr and six-time FIFA World Player of the Year Marta were just a select few to donate autographed items to the cause.
In addition, specialty merchandise was created as well as a unique ticket offer with a portion of proceeds dedicated to Libby’s Legacy.
Since 2007, Libby’s Legacy has provided over 7,000 breast health services and diagnosed/helped navigate over 155 breast cancer patients, many through the charity’s partnership with Orlando Health and the Orlando Health UF Health Cancer Center. Orlando Health is the Official and Exclusive Healthcare Partner of the Orlando Pride.
More information on Libby’s Legacy can be found at the link here.
