2 Worcester Residents With Brain Cancer Honored By Revolution

WORCESTER, MA—From The New England Revolution. The team honored two members of the Worcester community at the team’s home game Saturday, April 28th against Sporting Kansas City. Celebrated for their strength as they individually battle against brain tumors,Yan Perez Garcia, 10, was honored as a part of the Revs’ “Kelyn’s NEGU Crew,” and Phil Anas Jr. was named as the Hero of the Match.

Yan Perez Garcia’s Story: Diagnosed at just 6 months old, Yan Perez Garcia and his family moved from Florida to Boston when he was 4 years old to undergo additional treatment. Now, having had 36 surgeries in his short 10 years of life, Yan still has three tumors remaining but continues to fight. As a member of the “NEGU Crew,” after the game Garcia took a walk around the field alongside midfielder Kelyn Rowe as he thanked the fans.

Phil Anas Jr.’s Story: Originally diagnosed while treating a sports injury, Phil Anas Jr. continued to play soccer through his treatments and chemotherapy for his brain tumor. Now an advocate for “Kick for Dana-Farber,” a program that aims to involve the soccer community in fundraising for lifesaving cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Phil continues to hold onto his connection to the soccer community since he stopped playing soccer due to concussions related to his tumor. Phil joined the Revs with a sideline view of their pregame warmups and enjoyed the game from the Putnam Club.

During each season, the New England Revolution honor members from the community through programs include “Kelyn’s NEGU Crew” and Hero of the Match. Spearheaded by Revolution midfielder Kelyn Rowe, “Kelyn’s NEGU Crew” – the acronym NEGU stands for “Never Ever Give Up,” a phrase adopted from the Jessie Rees Foundation – provides young cancer patients associated with the Jessie Rees Foundation a unique and memorable gameday experience. The Revs’ Hero of the Match program honors a local first responder, member of the armed forces or individual making a difference in the community at each home game during the 2018 season. More about the Hero of the Match program.

Photos submitted.

Photo Caption HOTM: Phil Anas Jr. of Worcester was recognized by the New England Revolution for his strength as he continues to battle a redeveloping brain tumor and his continued advocacy for “Kick for Dana-Farber” at Gillette Stadium on April 28th.

Photo Caption NEGU Crew: The newest member of “Kelyn’s NEGU Crew,” Yan Perez Garcia, 10, of Worcester salutes Revolution supporters alongside his family and midfielder Kelyn Rowe at the Gillette Stadium.