New England Revolution Honor Woburn Girl Battling Cancer

WOBURN, MA—A Woburn native battling cancer got a very special welcome at the New England Revolution's match against Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday.

According to a New England Revolution press release, six-year-old Brooklyn Russell was honored during the soccer team's game against Seattle with a post-game walk around the field alongside midfielder Kelyn Rowe. Russell was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a form of cancer which in nerve cells and most often occurs in infants and young children.

There are approximately 700 new cases of neuroblastoma each year in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society.

Russell was honored as a part of "Kelyn's NEGU Crew," a five-game program spearheaded by Rowe in support of the Jessie Rees Foundation. NEGU stands for "Never Ever Give Up," which is a phrase adopted by the foundation.

• Photo 1: Part of "Kelyn's NEGU Crew," Brooklyn Russell of Woburn (center in blue) salutes Revolution supporters alongside midfielder Kelyn Rowe at Gillette Stadium
• Photo 2: Brooklyn Russell from Woburn (front row, left in blue) was supported by friends and family members as she was honored by midfielder Kelyn Rowe at Saturday's game (both photos courtesy of the New England Revolution).

Correction: Previous editions of this story regarded Neuroblastoma as a form of brain cancer. Neuroblastoma is a form of cancer which begins in nerve cells.