Empowering Youth Athletes: The Mena Singer Foundation
The Mena Singer Foundation (MSF), a non-profit organization founded by Oppenheimer Executive Director, Nick Singer, is dedicated to supporting hockey families facing the challenges of breast cancer, providing assistance to keep young athletes engaged in their beloved sport. Founded with a deeply personal and compassionate approach, MSF is making a profound impact on the lives of those who need it most.
The Heart of MSF's Mission
When asked about the foundation's primary focus, MSF's President & Founder, Nick Singer, explains, "The Mena Singer Foundation was formed to provide assistance to hockey families battling breast cancer. There are many organizations doing incredible work in the fight against breast cancer, but our focus is on those living with the disease. Our mission is to keep the kids in those families physically and socially active in the hockey community that was there for us when we needed them most."
A Track Record of Success
In their initial three years as an official non-profit entity, MSF has achieved remarkable success. Through the generosity of their donors, they've been able to assist 18 kids from 13 families across nine states, providing over $52,000 in aid. However, the true measure of their success lies in the communities they've touched. MSF has been welcomed with open arms and received immense support from those they've helped. Their participation in over 15 breast cancer awareness events throughout the country, including a recent fundraiser hockey game against the FDNY Hockey Team in Brooklyn, is a testament to the growing impact of their work.
A Bright Future Ahead
As the organization looks ahead, their mission remains crystal clear: the more exposure they gain, the more families they can support. Their approach is rooted in the belief that no young athlete should be compelled to quit their sports program due to hardships at home related to breast cancer. Youth sports not only encourage cardiovascular exercise, known to improve moods and aid anxiety management, but also play a crucial role in maintaining a child's social support network, which is vital for families navigating the challenges of breast cancer. The ultimate goal is to ensure full enrollment for every child seeking registration, a vision that inspires their dedicated board of directors.
Getting Involved in the Cause
MSF acknowledges that they are still in their early stages compared to more established breast cancer organizations. In this phase of their journey, community involvement and awareness play a pivotal role. Singer emphasizes, "At this stage in our life cycle, exposure is huge for us. We're still in our infancy compared to most of the organizations that come to mind when 'going pink' in October. With technology nowadays, it doesn't take much more than a click to share information. We're thankful for anybody who passes the word along to family and friends about what we're doing and even more grateful to anybody who helps connect us to families that may benefit from our mission."
The Mena Singer Foundation's heartfelt dedication to supporting young athletes and their families in the face of breast cancer showcases the power of collective compassion. As they continue to grow, their impact promises to reach even more communities, ensuring that no child has to give up their dreams of playing the sport they love.