Saratoga and Shaker Lacrosse Teams Uniting to Combat Pediatric Cancer

The LaCROSSe Out Cancer Challenge raised $10,000 in 2024 and $16,000 in 2025. 2024 photo by Jonathon Norcross; 2024 photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs and Shaker varsity girls lacrosse teams will come together on Saturday, May 9 at 11 a.m. to honor the memory of Olivia Allen, a Saratoga grad who succumbed to leukemia in 2024.

The third annual LaCROSSe Out Cancer Challenge, taking place at Saratoga Springs High School, will raise money for both the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF) and the Live Like Liv Foundation. Both organizations are dedicated to advancing pediatric cancer research and supporting children and families affected by cancer. 

In 2025, the LaCROSSe Out Cancer Challenge at Saratoga High raised $16,000. In 2024, the fundraiser garnered $10,000.

“Olivia [Allen] left a legacy of strength and determination,” said Blue Streaks Lacrosse Coach Jennifer Furze at the 2024 event. “Liv’s heroic story is being heard and felt throughout the entire country. It is truly a testament to the beautiful human being she was.”

The remarks were deeply personal for Furze, whose daughter was close friends with Allen. 

Allen passed away after living with blood cancer for nearly a year. Her experience is not unique. According to the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, more children under 20 years old are lost to cancer than any other disease. 

The Live Like Liv Foundation was created to honor Allen’s legacy by supporting pediatric cancer patients and their families through programs that provide comfort, connection, and moments of joy during treatment. Inspired by Allen’s strength and spirit, the foundation is committed to ensuring that no child or family faces cancer alone.

“We are proud of the way our players are stepping up to help other kids,” said Furze in a recent press release. “Unfortunately, too many of them have a friend, relative, or peer who has faced cancer. We all feel that it’s important to contribute and ensure a better future for kids.” 

Prior to the opening draw, the players from Shaker will complete 41 passes with the players from Saratoga Springs in honor of Allen and the 41 children diagnosed with cancer each day in the U.S. Their goal is to raise $15,000. As of press time, they had already raised more than $7,000.

To donate to the cause, visit charity.pledgeit.org/PCRF-LaCROSSeOutCancer/teams/togaglax.