Locomotive FC Name Cancer Patient Amber Berry Player for the Day
Sometimes sports warms our hearts in ways we never thought could be possible.
Today, El Paso Locomotive FC signed Amber Berry, an 11-year-old warrior and patient of The Hospitals of Providence, to be the Locomotive Player for a Day. Berry has battled leukemia since Nov. 16, 2016, and has undergone over 54 treatments following her diagnosis.
She is expected to have her final treatment in July.
Her time with the squad kicked off officially this morning at Southwest University Park, where she was welcomed by both Locomotive and Chihuahuas staff members. Berry attended Locomotive practice and finished the morning by signing her contract alongside Locomotive coaching staff and players.
This reminds us how soccer is more than just a game.
“It’s important to always stay positive, think of happy thoughts and in the end, you’ll see how much you’ve accomplished,” said Amber Berry in a release. “My team has been my mom, my family and all the nurses and doctors who have helped get me better. I can’t wait to take on this next challenge as a Locomotive for a day.”
In anticipation for tomorrow's game, Berry will have the opportunity to showcase an original art piece for the Locomotive FC gameday poster. Her in-game festivities will include warming up with the team, an autograph signing, game broadcast announcing and doing it all while she wears her number 4 jersey.
“We are so excited to sign Amber Berry to a one-day contract with the team,” Andrew Forrest, El Paso Locomotive FC General Manager, Business Operations, said. “She has shown incredible resiliency and courage in her battle with leukemia and has been under the highest standard of care from the great team at The Hospitals of Providence. Because of their hard work and Amber’s fighting spirit, we know Amber will be able to enjoy being a kid again when she completes her treatments.”
Berry and the rest of the Locomotive FC team will gear up to host Las Vegas tomorrow night at Southwest University Park beginning at 7:30 p.m. El Paso stands in second of the USL Western Division Standings and looks to continue their unbeaten streak tomorrow.