TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — The 2023 “Tackle Childhood Cancer Campaign” kicked off its seventh year Monday evening in a new way.

Instead they “Kicked Out Childhood Cancer” at the South Vermillion High School vs. Terre Haute North High School varsity soccer game. Before the game organizers talked about what made this game so monumental. 

South Vermillion High School and Terre Haute North High School varsity soccer teams, go head-to-head as they raise money for the “P.S. We Love You Fund”. “The PS We Love You Fund” was started in memory of Patrick Barrett, a 2014 Terre Haute North graduate, who passed away in March 2016 from cancer. 

Patrick’s cousin Jack Butwin, who also plays on Terre Haute North’s soccer and football team, said the love Patrick had for sports is what helped create this fundraiser.

“Patrick was big into sports, really loved football. My whole family has really been a sports family. So kind of just knew that from the beginning it had to be connected to sports,” Jack Butwin said.

The “P.S. We Love You Fund” funds precision genomics testing, at Riley Hospital for Children. Precision genomic testing is the test that gives pediatric oncologists the roadmap of how to treat a child`s cancer. Barrett was one of Riley’s first patients to participate in the program.

Patrick’s Grandpa Steve Butwin believes this program was made for others like his grandson.

“There are new and better ways to do things, to fight the disease. And Riley Hospital is a great place to support and to try to get that done,” Steve Butwin said.

During the month of September, Patrick’s parents are challenging all participants to a donation goal of $100,000. Those who can participate in this fundraiser are, Elementary through college schools, businesses, or not-for-profit groups.

Jack said he enjoys kicking it on the field to help those in need.

“You just really can’t imagine what those kids are going through. And throughout this whether they really shouldn’t have to worry about having to reach the money that they need for the treatment. So, this just helps them focus on beating the cancer instead of the money,” Jack Butwin said.

To view the full “Kicking Childhood Cancer” schedule, or to register as a participant you can head over to their website.