On Tuesday, July 12, Northwestern's NCAA Champion Women's Lacrosse Team joined a host of other championship teams at the White House for a meet-and-greet and photo-op with President Bush. At that event, a number of the Wildcat players wore flip-flops -- a fashion statement that became front-page news on Friday, July 15 when The Chicago Tribune did a story about the footwear.

The Wildcat women have decided to use that publicity as a springboard for a cause they hold dear to their hearts -- the plight of 10-year-old Jaclyn Murphy, a young girl stricken with cancer. During the season, the women became friends with this young girl, and were inspired by her throughout their championship march. The highlight of the season, in fact, came during the NCAA semifinal and final, when Jaclyn and her family were able to join the team in Annapolis, Md., and see them win the title. The following is an excerpt from Jaclyn's mother, written on Jaclyn's website after that weekend.

"I don't even know if I have the words to express this past weekend, but I will try. I'm not sure where to begin, as my eyes are filled with tears -- good tears!!! I almost feel like I have won the championship, and in some ways I have. I try to imagine the exhilaration the WILDCATS have experienced over the past weekend! To be there as a fan, an observer, and Jaclyn's mom (THE BEST PART) was an unbelievable experience. I have met the most incredible, talented, compassionate young women you could ever meet. Yes, they were led by the greatest leaders/coaches -- Kelly, Alexis, & Danielle.

However, it goes beyond that. They have impacted not only Jaclyn's life, but the entire Murphy family. Oh, yes, I guess you must have guessed -- the Northwestern women's lax team won the NCAA National Championship! Not only did they win, but they were undefeated the entire season! We had the opportunity to be interviewed during halftime by CSTV. They did a great job, and we are thankful for allowing them to bring our story to everyone. Before the interview and before the game, one of the press guys mentioned to Jaclyn that Virginia was favored and that NU, since they were undefeated, needed to have a broken heart. So, not to have your hopes up. They will come back next year and win the championship. If they were to win, it would be the fairy tale. Jaclyn and I both looked at each other, and then I replied to the commentator, "You don't understand the power of Jaclyn's presence -- we believe in fairy tales and we dream every night!" During our interview at half time they asked Jaclyn for her predictions -- and wouldn't you know it, Jaclyn predicted the final score, 13-10! (At halftime the score was 8-7, Wildcats). I'm telling you, the angels are watching over her and whispering their messages to her. Virginia had no idea the power of Jaclyn AND the Wildcats' ability!!! After the game, both my girls had the privilege of being on the field as a part of the team receiving their championship awards. Jaclyn is so inspired by these extraordinary young women. We had the opportunity to meet some of their families and feel so blessed by this entire experience."

From now until Tuesday, July 26, the Northwestern women's lacrosse players who wore flip-flops at the White House will auction them off, with the proceeds going directly to Jaclyn and her family. The players hope that the money they send to Jaclyn will help defray the costs her family endures as they help their daughter, so that she can fight her cancer and enjoy a normal childhood.

For more information about Jaclyn Murphy, please click here! Click here to see the May 20 Poughkeepsie Journal story on Jaclyn and NU lacrosse!

In addition to the flip-flops worn by the players, NU head coach Kelly Amonte Hiller -- the 2005 IWLCA National Coach of the Year and most recently an All-World selection as a player at the IFWLA World Cup -- will offer four pairs of flip-flops. The flip-flops will be signed by the player who wore them, many with a message of encouragement to Jaclyn.