The USC women's volleyball team has adopted Shelby Taylor, a child who suffered from a brain tumor, which was removed, but cost her the ability to move or speak after the surgery. However, she is steadily improving, lives cancer-free and now serves as an inspiration to the Women of Troy.
Taylor is an honorary team member as part of Friends of Jaclyn, an organization that aims to improve the quality of life for children with pediatric brain tumors.
Coincidentally, Friends of Jaclyn was started after young Jaclyn Murphy, while battling through a brain tumor, built a relationship with the Northwestern women's lacrosse program and became the good luck charm credited with motivating the Wildcats to five consecutive national championships.
Northwestern's championship teams featured Lindsey Munday and Hilary Bowen, who have now paired up to build USC women's lacrosse from scratch.
"Jaclyn was and continues to be a huge inspiration for the Northwestern women's lacrosse team," said Hilary Bowen. "It was certainly no coincidence that we went on to win five consecutive national championships when Jaclyn joined our Wildcat family."
"She motivated us to play for something greater than ourselves on a daily basis. Her love for life and unbreakable spirit are constant reminders to appreciate the opportunities you are given. Jaclyn has taught us all how to live and play in the moment."
Click here to see the full story on HBO's Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.
Since it was founded in 2005, FOJ has completed over 230 adoptions in over 20 different sports. There are currently over 1,000 schools on a waiting list for FOJ adoptions.
With Shelby's help, #3 USC women's volleyball is riding a 10-match winning streak into home games this Friday (Utah at 7 p.m.) and Saturday (Colorado at 7 p.m.) at Galen Center.
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