University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Southern Miss Volleyball Team Adopts Katherine `Kat' Barnard FOJ
8/16/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Aug. 16, 2008
HATTIESBURG, Miss. -The Southern Miss women's volleyball team welcomed the newest member to the team Saturday morning. Through the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, the Golden Eagles adopted 12-year-old Katherine `Kat' Barnard of Mobile, Ala., who has been battling brain cancer for the past year.
Kat was diagnosed with High Grade Glioma in October 2007.
The Friends of Jaclyn (FOJ) Foundation was started by Jaclyn Murphy's family after Jaclyn was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in March 2004 at the age of 11. It is a charitable organization created to raise public awareness about pediatric brain tumors. Funds are used to offset medical expenses for children who are diagnosed with pediatric brain cancer and donations are made to other charities specifically related to pediatric brain cancer. The Foundation also helps children connect with athletic teams, as Jaclyn was adopted by the Northwestern women's lacrosse team.
Kat and her parents (arrived for practice and following the formal introductions, the Golden Eagles and Kat enjoyed a couple of games. Kat had the opportunity to pass, set and record a kill. Following the morning workout, Kat, her parents and the team were off to lunch.
