High school senior kicks for cancer research

Harrison Larner enjoys being the kicker for the Wesleyan High School football team.

In fact, “I would love to play in college. I may have to walk-on though,” the 18-year-old said.

But it’s not his love of the sport that makes him stand out.

Larner has dedicated this football season to raising money to benefit childhood cancer research.

“To me it seems like an opportunity to help people. It’s just me trying to make kicks and help the community. Trying to help others,” he said.

The senior is participating as a Kick-It Champion, a program powered by Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation that helps children with cancer.

Larner began the season with a goal of raising $1,000 through donations and pledges for every kick he made. By Oct. 30, he had raised $1,810.

“The incredible donations from the Wesleyan community are amazing. Everybody has been very supportive,” he said of the Gwinnett County school in Peachtree Corners.

This mission is personal for Larner. His father, who was diagnosed with Stage IV/GBM brain cancer in 2014, died from the disease.

“Cancer has personally affected our family,” he said. “Whatever I can do in a small way I want to do.”

The Kick-It Champion program was started by All-State Ohio football player Matt Colella, who battled cancer as a middle school student, according to the organization. Colella’s commitment to help others inspired his community and athletes around the country to become Kick-It Champions for children with cancer.

Since the program was started in 2013, 140 athletes have participated and raised over $1 million, said Annie Korp, communications and public relations coordinator for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.

The foundation emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of cancer patient Alexandra “Alex” Scott (1996-2000). The 4-year-old wanted to raise money to help children with cancer. The charity has raised over $150 million for research.

Larner’s determination to help others has inspired his coach.

“Harrison has a strong heart for others so it is not surprising at all that he is using his abilities to enhance the lives of those fighting cancer,” said Wesleyan football coach Franklin Pridgen. “He is a wonderful representative of our football program and the core values for which we stand. We are so proud of him.”

Larner plans on majoring in broadcast journalism at either Northwestern, Missouri or Iowa when he graduates.

More information: https://www.alexslemonade.org/mypage/1502739