New England Revolution Honors Framingham Boy, Jessie Rees Foundation

FRAMINGHAM, MA—The following was submitted by the New England Revolution. Have news? Email charlene.arsenault@patch.com.

The New England Revolution honored Ismaile Da Silva Jr., a Framingham, MA native during the Revs’ “Kelyn’s NEGU Crew” program at Saturday’s game against Atlanta United FC as part of the team’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Night, part of the league’s Kick Childhood Cancer initiative. Ismaile, 9, enjoyed a postgame walk around the field alongside Kelyn Rowe as he thanked the fans. After being diagnosed in March of 2017, Ismaile is currently being treated at the Massachusetts General Hospital for Children Cancer Center for medulloblastoma and he has undergone surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy as part of his treatment plan.

“Kelyn’s NEGU Crew” is a five-game program that gives young cancer patients associated with the Jessie Rees Foundation a unique and memorable game day experience. This initiative was spearheaded by Revolution midfielder Kelyn Rowe, a longtime supporter of the Jessie Rees Foundation. The acronym NEGU stands for “Never Ever Give Up,” a phrase adopted from the Jessie Rees Foundation. “Kelyn’s NEGU Crew” aims to give each child a memorable experience as they continue their brave fight against this deadly disease.

2017 serves as the 4th year of the Kick Childhood Cancer campaign for the New England Revolution and the New England Revolution Charitable Foundation in conjunction with MLS Works, Major League Soccer’s community initiative, to raise awareness and funds for Children’s Oncology Group (COG).

Photo (Submitted by New England Revolution): Ismaile Da Silva Jr. from Framingham was supported by family members as he was honored by Revolution midfielder Kelyn Rowe as part of his “Kelyn’s NEGU Crew” at Saturday’s Game.