PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – With the help of the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, Head Coach Andy Rondeau and the Pace University football team have adopted Riley Manning-Burns as an honorary member of the Setters.

"The whole program is excited and thankful to be a part of the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation family," said Rondeau. "The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation really makes you remember what the student-athlete experience is all about through giving of ourselves in a meaningful way."

The Setters made Riley's commitment official with a special event inside the Ianniello Field House this past Friday. The entire team was present to welcome Riley and his family into the program.

Jaclyn's father, Denis Murphy, (founder of Friends of Jaclyn), Jaclyn and Riley's mom all spoke to the team before Riley was introduced to everyone. Riley was then presented with a Pace #19 jersey, along with a game ball, which he used to play catch with several members of the team.

"There is no chemotherapy, radiation treatment or clinical trial drug more powerful than the love, support and friendship Riley will receive from Pace football," said Murphy.  

Upon Riley's adoption by the Setters, Coach Rondeau added, "We are thrilled to have Riley as a member of our family. Our team did an excellent job of welcoming Riley. Riley was in with the whole pack of Setters right away."

About Friends of Jaclyn
The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation's mission is to improve the quality of life for children battling pediatric brain tumors and other childhood cancers and to raise awareness through their Adopt-A-Child, Safe on the Sidelines and Guardian Angel Programs. We do this by pairing the afflicted child and their siblings with local high school and college sports teams, campus clubs, and arts programs in their community. If your team or club is ready to start making a difference in a child's life please register today! http://friendsofjaclyn.org.