MLS New England Revolution

Andrew Farrell and the New England Revolution to Host Childhood Cancer Patients at Multiple MLS Games as the Club's New "NEGU Crew" Ambassador

Published on March 22, 2024 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
New England Revolution News Release


FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - The New England Revolution and defender Andrew Farrell, the club's two-time Humanitarian of the Year, will host childhood cancer patients and their families at several Revolution games during the 2024 Major League Soccer season as the club's new "NEGU Crew" ambassador, in partnership with the Jessie Rees Foundation. Andrew's NEGU Crew will see the Revolution host four "Courageous Kids" this season, beginning this Saturday, March 23 when the Revolution host Chicago Fire FC (2:00 p.m. ET). Andrew's NEGU Crew will then return for at least three more matches this season on May 25, July 13, and September 7.

The acronym "NEGU" stands for "Never Ever Give Up," a phrase adopted from the Jessie Rees Foundation, an organization that helps provide resources for children fighting cancer. The Jessie Rees Foundation believes every child fighting cancer deserves joy, the opportunity to smile, and encouragement to never, ever give up in their fight against cancer. The goal for the initiative remains to provide each child with a memorable experience and a joyful day, providing them with encouragement to continue their brave battles against pediatric cancer. Visit NEGU.org to learn more about "NEGU" and the Jessie Rees Foundation.

Andrew's NEGU Crew follows in the footsteps of a tradition started in 2015 when former Revolution midfielder Kelyn Rowe joined up with the Jessie Rees Foundation. When Rowe departed New England, goalkeeper Matt Turner began working with the non-profit organization to host local pediatric cancer patients in 2019, before a three-year pause forced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now with the return of NEGU Crew, Farrell and the Revolution can once again host the courageous local families for a fun-filled matchday experience at Gillette Stadium.

The first guest Farrell and the club will host this season is a 13-year-old cancer patient from Salem, Mass., fittingly named Andrew. Andrew is a passionate soccer fan who has bravely battled multiple illnesses throughout his childhood. Diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease at birth, Andrew received a kidney transplant from his mother at age seven, before years later being diagnosed with Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder, a lymphoma brought on by immunosuppression. When he visits Gillette Stadium on Saturday, Andrew will have reason to celebrate some recent great news as his tumor was successfully removed, and after eight rounds of chemotherapy, his post-scans have been all clear. Joining Andrew for his special day will be his parents, his older sister, Isabella, and his younger brother, Jonathan.

"It's important, following in Kelyn and Matt's footsteps to work with NEGU Crew. Those guys and how they went about it, and how special it was - it was very organic. You could see how much they put into it and how much it meant to be able to support the families and the kids going through such a hard time," Farrell said. "It was a very easy yes for me [to get involved], and I'm sure a lot of [teammates] will help and assist with it. I'm excited to meet Andrew... You want it to be as special as possible. I'm looking forward to that, and the team is looking forward to delivering a good performance and a big day for them."

As part of the memorable "NEGU Crew" matchday experience, families are presented with a $500 Gillette Stadium gift card upon arrival to use on whatever Revolution gear they wish in the Pro Shop and on concessionsinside the stadium. Prior to the match, the Courageous Kid will receive their own custom Revolution jersey presented to them by Farrell on the stadium field during pregame warmups. After enjoying the match from a private luxury suite, the family will join Farrell and his Revolution teammates on the field for a Lap of Honor, cheered on by the club's loyal supporters.

A five-time Revolution Defender of the Year and the club's Humanitarian of the Year in 2018 and 2023, Farrell has been a staple of the club's community initiatives over his 12 seasons in New England, tied for the longest tenure with the club. Farrell has long been an unwavering supporter of Special Olympics Massachusetts and the Revolution Unified Team. Last season, Farrell showed his support for the Animal Rescue League of Boston by visiting the organization's Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center with teammates to deliver over 200 pounds of dog and cat food. During Childhood Cancer Awareness month in September, Farrell joined local families for Box Car Movie Night at Gillette Stadium along with Shrewsbury-based non-profit Binkeez for Comfort.

New England's match against Chicago Fire FC kicks off at 2:00 p.m. ET on Saturday and airs on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV in English and Spanish. Listen to the Revolution's local radio calls on 98.5 The Sports Hub HD2, with Brad Feldman and Rachel Wood in the booth, and on 1260 AM "Nossa Radio USA" in Portuguese.

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Major League Soccer Stories from March 22, 2024


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