McKenna Nelson to Receive Touchdown Donations

April 15, 2010 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Billings Outlaws News Release


Four year old McKenna Nelson has a fight on her hands. The Billings Outlaws have pledged to help her win it.

"Our players make a lot of appearances, but some make a bigger emotional impact on our guys than others." Billings Outlaws General Manager and Co-Owner Adam Steadman is commenting on a recent benefit for a young Billings girl who is battling cancer. "McKenna is a really charming little girl. Without knowing her family, you probably wouldn't realize that she's sick. I think that's part of the reason that our players have really embraced her cause. Her story could be anyone's."

Nelson was recently diagnosed with a type of Sarcoma tumor - a cancer in the arch of her left foot that must be removed by a series of expensive surgeries. Every three months for the next two years, Nelson and her family must make costly trips to Utah for treatment.

When team quarterback Chris Dixon heard about four-year-old McKenna Nelson's plight, he urged his teammates to make a difference in the young girl's life.

Dixon and the Billings Outlaws players as a whole have pledged to donate $100 for every thrown-touchdown the team scores in their next game. Starting on Saturday's game at MetraPark Arena, the Outlaws players will personally contribute to the $100 donation for each aerial TD.

"If Chris throws eight touchdowns, McKenna gets eight hundred dollars (to be contributed to her medical treatment). " says Outlaws Head Coach Heron O'Neal. "These guys aren't getting rich playing this game... so this is a significant gesture for them."

Steadman says that the players efforts are being mirrored by others as well. "Word is already getting out and we've had a handful of other philanthropic groups offer to join us in this accidental fundraiser. At this week's 'Coaches Show' radio broadcast at the Rockpile (a Billings sports bar) I was approached by a couple of people who represent charitable organizations who asked if they could participate... of course we're excited to bring them in! This isn't about the Outlaws. If we could help raise enough money that this little girl and her parents never have to worry about how to cover gas to get to the hospital, or how to pay the bill when they do...they COULD concentrate on recovey. "

Come join your Billings Outlaws on Saturday evening as they take on the Alaska Wild and support one of their youngest "Lil Outlaws."

Doors open at MetraPark arena at 6:00pm Saturday night with kick-off set for 7:05pm.

For more information, visit the Outlaws online at billingsoutlaws.com or call the MetraPark box office at 256-2422 for tickets!



Indoor Football League Stories from April 15, 2010


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