Michigan State University Athletics
Reuniting With a A Special Teammate
2/25/2014 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Feb. 25, 2014
East Lansing, Mich. - - There is a truth about Michigan State University: Once a Spartan, always a Spartan.
On Monday, Feb. 24, the Spartan softball team had dinner with Maisa Cummings and her family. Maisa joined the Spartan family in February of 2010 as a part of the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation. She and her family had dinner with the team in the locker room prior to the women's basketball game against Minnesota, where they helped the team celebrate Girls and Women in Sports Day as they cheered on the Green and White to a victory over the Gophers.
Maisa was diagnosed with a brain tumor at two and a half years old. In February 2010 at age five, she and her brother, Brendon, were introduced to the softball team at a women's basketball game against Penn State, through the Friends of Jaclyn program.
Friends of Jaclyn was founded in 2004 by Denis Murphy after his daughter, Jaclyn, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor when she was 9 and was adopted by the Northwestern women's lacrosse team. The program focuses on the relationships between the children, their families, and the athletic teams, and aims to be a source of strength and courage for young patients. More than 375 varsity athletic teams around the nation have participate in this organization in at least 20 different sports.
Since joining the team four years ago, Maisa has kept in touch with former softball players via texts and facebook messages, as well as staying in touch with current players.
Flashback: Softball Team Adopts New Player through Friends of Jacklyn
"It is always great to spend time with Maisa, Brendon, and their family," said head coach Jacquie Joseph. "No matter how much time has passed, when we get together with them, it feels like no time has passed. She and her family have been a blessing to us over the years. We're looking forward to having them come out to a game or two to cheer us on this spring!"
"We are so blessed to have Maisa and the Cummings family as a part of our Spartan family," said student assistant coach Jenny Ramsaier, who was a freshman when Maisa was introduced to the team. " It's been such a special opportunity to watch Maisa and her brother, Brendan, grow up over the years. The strength and courage their family expresses day in and day out sets such a beautiful example and inspiration for our team. We probably get more out of the relationship than she does - but we love having her come to our games and come visit us."
 Maisa with Coach J  | |
After spending time with her Spartan teammates on Monday, Maisa's mother, Linda, sent Ramsaier a text. "Our family has been so blessed with your friendship," she wrote. "Thank you for making tonight so special for Maisa. Please let the team know that what they did was priceless and left a lasting impression for a little girl with a brain tumor. We love you."
