Women’s Lacrosse Assistant Head Coach Joe Corace has been in remission for 20 years and has survived Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Before joining the women’s staff for the 2017 season, he was part of the men’s lacrosse staff before the spring 2013 season. He was ultimately named the 2017 Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association Division II Assistant Coach of the Year.
When Corace is not impacting the field, he is giving back to what saved his life.
From 2005 to 2013, he took the initiative to collect donations for the American Cancer Society during his time at Mahopac High School.
Now, at Mercy University, he has been continuing his efforts to raise funds in order to help further support the cause.
Corace has been the face behind the Making Strides Versus Cancer Initiative since 2016.
This year, Corace is partnering with the Mercy University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee to support this initiative. Donations will be open and accepted as admission through all of the women’s and men’s home basketball contests for the rest of the season.
Donations as admission are for non-students, but everyone is encouraged to and more than welcome to join in on the cause as well. All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society.
Corace took some time to speak on the connection he has to this initiative.
“I’ve felt it as a way of giving back. Previous donations before I was diagnosed created the regiment that saved my life,” Corace said.
Since starting this initiative in 2016, approximately $12,000 has been donated to the American Cancer Society and Corace has held such consistency with participation and donations over the years.
Currently, the donations have been successful.
“Most games get over $100 in donations, and it all adds up,” he stated.
Cancer affects countless families and individuals, making the fight against it a deeply personal cause for many, especially Corace.
“We all are impacted by cancer in our families and friends and any amount of money that is donated could be impactful,” he said.
The upcoming doubleheaders where donations can be given are on Jan. 24, Feb. 7, Feb. 9, and Feb. 22.
For more information on game times, you can visit the Mercy University Athletics website.
If you would like to learn more about the Making Strides Versus Cancer Initiative, Corace can be reached at [email protected].
For all other donation opportunities, please go to the American Cancer Society site.
