2024 Holiday Party
This year’s holiday party was held at the beautiful home of our board member Barbara and Ken Dressel. Musical accompaniment was provided by Wolfgang Volz.
Members and friends of SLSSC were able to meet the founder of Sunday Night Lights Lori Krueger and donate to this special cause. Donations are still accepted.
About SUNDAY NIGHT LIGHTS:
It originated in 2010 after Lindbergh freshman Jake Franzel was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. Our community – students, coaches, friends, family and teachers – pulled together for Jake and his family.
Jake’s dream was to be part of the varsity football team and play “under the lights.” After his right humerus bone was replaced by a titanium rod, he was told he could never again participate in contact sports, nor carry his beloved tuba in the marching band. And so Sunday Night Lights was born – to give kids like Jake a chance to experience their dreams despite their life-altering circumstances. The support was overwhelming.
Sadly, Jake lost his battle in January 2012, but his legacy lives on in Sunday Night Lights in the hope that these courageous kids and their families will be buoyed by the same kind of community love and support that lifted Jake and his family.
It’s the community that makes the magic of Sunday Night Lights – involving literally hundreds of volunteers who work together to make a difference in the lives of these deserving heroes and their families.
This event is thoughtfully organized to be a truly memorable experience for these kids, and through the magic of love and generosity, it becomes just as memorable for all involved. Paired with their special high school buddies, the SNL heroes experience the excitement of a high school football game—complete with the thrill of the marching band, the sparkle of the cheerleaders and dancers, the delicious aromas of the hotdogs in the concession stand and the stands packed FULL with enthusiastic and supportive fans. As the stars on the field, the Sunday Night Light heroes and their families are lifted to a lighter place and gently reminded that they are not alone in their journey – they are supported by a community that cares!
Efforts are made each year to more authentically replicate the high school game experience and environment with a constant awareness of the many special needs of each participant. We work closely with area hospital and school social workers/counselors, coaches, professionals and other organizations who offer rich insight and expertise to help us increase our effectiveness, personalize our program, and better meet the needs of these families on and off the field.
In continuing Jake’s legacy through Sunday Night Lights, our organization has been able to raise awareness of childhood cancer as it affects too many families in our community, in St. Louis and throughout the world. There truly is something we can all do to help alleviate the suffering of so many, and it can sometimes start with just a smile to lighten the load of perhaps just one.
Sunday Night Lights is committed to being a FREE event to patients and their family members. In addition, we do not charge admission to the stadium for general public attendance because our focus is on filling the stands with community members to cheer on these brave young “heroes”.
Website: snlheroes.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sundaynightlightslindbergh/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snl_heroes/
As the year comes to a close, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your support, dedication, and commitment to our mission. Together, we’ve made a meaningful impact, and we couldn’t have done it without you.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season filled with peace, warmth, and happiness. May the New Year bring health, success, and more opportunities to make a difference together!
With warmest regards,
St. Louis-Stuttgart Sister Cities
