CHICAGO – The UIC softball team has teamed up with Vs. Cancer, a signature fundraising campaign of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, in hopes of helping raise funds for children suffering from pediatric brain tumors. The Flames have set a fundraising goal of $500 raised per player, with over $3,100 already donated thanks to generous support received since the campaign debuted on March 4.

Junior infielder Tara McElligott has been the team's driving force, taking the lead on getting the Flames on board with the Vs. Cancer organization and helping get her teammates involved. The foundation and its goals hit especially close to home for McElligott, who dons the number 25 jersey at UIC in honor of her brother John's birthday, who she lost to Neuroblastoma in February of 2004 at the young age of five.

McElligott is also raising funds in honor of her friend and former high school teammate Courtney Schoolcraft, who is currently battling Clear Cell Sarcoma while also playing collegiate softball as a catcher/utility player at University of Southern Indiana. McElligott has been standing by and supporting Schoolcraft, who has been receiving chemotherapy treatments in between her time competing for the Eagles this season.

"Having this team and coaching staff be so on board and ready to team up with Vs. Cancer in honor my brother and Courtney's fight is more than I could ever ask for," McElligott said. "I hope the difference this team makes in the pediatric cancer world will put us one step closer to making sure no child or family has to fight this disease in the future."

UIC's fundraising efforts will conclude with a UIC Softball vs. Cancer game, which is scheduled for April 17 when the Flames host Cleveland State. Fans and supporters are encouraged to check out UIC Softball's Vs. Cancer page to learn more and donate if they are able. Donors can select to donate to the team's efforts as a whole or towards a specific player's $500 goal.

Half of the proceeds raised by the Flames will go to the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, where McElligott's brother received treatment. The other half will go to the Vs. Cancer foundation for pediatric brain tumor research.

Further details surrounding the UIC Softball Vs. Cancer game will be announced at a later date.