BY MARISSA BRUNO // FEB. 20, 2014 //

The Curry softball team added an 18^th player to its roster last semester. Lauren Dunn, of Hull, Mass., officially signed on to join the Colonels Sept. 29. But she isn’t your typical college player.

Lauren, 11, was diagnosed with fibrous histiocytoma, a rare type of bone cancer, at the age of 5. Since then, she has had more than 10 surgeries and countless doctors appointments.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CURRY ATHLETICS

Her recruitment to the softball squad, through Team Impact, a nonprofit organization that uses sports to help improve the quality of life of children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses, was the first of many events the Colonels have held for Lauren. For her 11th birthday, for example, the team hosted a party with her favorite cake, carrot, and took in a basketball game.

Although Lauren is doing well medically, the Curry softball team—the girls all wear purple wristbands that say “Team Lauren – Curry College Softball”— is working to help strengthen her spirits. Not surprisingly, Lauren is doing the same for the team.

“When you’re having a bad day and you look down at your wrist and see little Lauren’s name, your day doesn’t seem so bad anymore,” said softball head coach Bruce Weckworth.

The softball team is not the only Curry squad raising awareness and making a difference off the field. On Jan. 26, the men’s soccer team participated in Climb America, a fundraiser that also brought greater awareness to heart disease. Players and coaches of Curry’s men’s soccer team climbed 40 flights of stairs at 53 State Street in Boston. The team raised $375.

“It’s for a good cause and to raise awareness about staying fit and healthy and exercising daily,” said sophomore defender Ryan Madden, who took part in the event. “I know people who have heart disease, especially in the family, so it’s nice to show our support as a team.”