UPDATE: Cal set out to raise $94,000 for cancer programs at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and thanks to all of you - he has far surpassed that goal and raised over $120,000!  Thank you to everyone who supported Cal in this initiative, you have made a huge impact. 

One thing that has always kept me motivated throughout my journey from walk-on to team captain has been the belief of my family, friends, and coaches in my big dreams! This truly is one of the greatest gifts one can receive and because of this, I strongly believe that every kid deserves a chance to chase their dreams. 

However, in this year alone nearly 16,000 children will receive the devastating diagnosis of cancer—something that can make those big dreams seem a little further away. While the outcomes in pediatric cancer have greatly improved in the past several decades due to philanthropic investments in research, many forms of aggressive cancer still exist, and pediatric cancer remains one of the top three leading causes of death in children under 14 in the United States. In fact, UPMC Children’s Hospital will treat more than 1,000 cancer patients in this year alone. 

Therefore, since I’ve been so blessed to wear the number 94 during my time as a Pitt Panther, my goal is to raise $94,000 to help kids in our community who are battling cancer. I know with your help we can reach this goal by the end of the football season, and when we do, I will be chopping the locks that have become a part of my Pitt Football uniform as well. We’ll show our wholehearted support for children battling cancer by doing what so many kids have done while undergoing treatment, cutting their hair. 

I hope you will join me in raising funds so that our young warriors here in Pittsburgh can get back to chasing their dreams! 

HAIL TO PITT! 

- Cal #94