Matt Lampson is much more than a goalkeeper for Columbus Crew SC. He’s a competitor, a stage IV Hodgkin lymphoma survivor and an advocate for children who are battling cancer.
The 25-year-old founded the LampStrong Foundation last year to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families. To support that cause, he will host the inaugural Kick Cancer Cup at MAPFRE Stadium this Sunday, August 23.
The match will feature former OSU Athletes and former Crew SC players. All proceeds will benefit the LampStrong Foundation's mission, vision and pillars.
“I just want everybody to have a good time and hope that all the people who come out enjoy it, will want to come back next year and spread the word,” Lampson says. “That’s the biggest thing.”
His biggest concern involves spreading the word for his LampStrong Heroes, children who have survived or are currently battling cancer. He meets and honors them after Crew SC matches and says giving back to them is the most meaningful aspect of Sunday’s event.
“I want them to have a good time and that’s who we’re doing it for,” Lampson says. “It’s being put on for them, so that’s the idea.”
The LampStrong Foundation hosts events like the Kick Cancer Cup in support of its four pillars: nutrition and training, activities for patients, support for families, and research. Lampson says having children who have survived or are battling cancer, as well as their families in attendance, is part of patient and family care. All of the proceeds from the event will go to cancer research, and playing soccer ties in the final pillar of nutrition and training.
“It’s all coming together into one big event,” he says. “So, it all ties in and we’re excited for it.”
Lampson’s work with the Foundation is gaining traction, and it’s evident in the number of people registered to play in the Kick Cancer Cup. Lampson says there will be close to 30 players between the two teams.
“There’s going to be running subs,” Lampson says. “Plus, you want people to get in the game. It’ll be pretty big, but for people that don’t play soccer, you act like it’ll be easy to go out and play 15 minutes, but you’ll be tired after five.”
Some of those people he’s referring to are local celebrities, including several former Ohio State University football players.
“I think with Ohio State being such a big thing in central Ohio, I wanted to get some of those guys and guys that normally wouldn’t be playing soccer out on a field,” Lampson says. “So hopefully a lot of people come out and support the cause.”
Another celeb planning to attend is Crew SC Sporting Director & Head Coach Gregg Berhalter.
“Gregg’s been pushing me about where he wants to play, so I have to figure that out. I don’t even know that I’ll make the rosters,” Lampson says with a laugh. “I might have to assign coaches to the teams.”
Whether he ends up playing, coaching or cheering from the sidelines, Lampson says his favorite part of doing these events is helping the children and hearing their stories.
“Every single one has a different story,” he says “Every single one, you can see the appreciation on their face.”
Sunday’s match will be played in an atmosphere filled with heart, passion and generosity. Lampson hopes the environment will be contagious and encourages others to spread the word about his Foundation.
“As the Foundation grows, I’m trying to spread the word,” Lampson says. “The greater my reach, the greater the Foundation’s reach. With each outlet we have, it’s going to get bigger and bigger. We’re just trying to grow continuously, and hopefully, if people appreciate me as a person, they’ll come out and support what I’m trying to do.”
You can help support the LampStrong Foundation by attending the Kick Cancer Cup at MAPFRE Stadium at 1 p.m. on Sunday. Player spots are still available, or you can purchase tickets to attend. There’s also a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle and an autograph session available. More details and registration can be found here.
