“Tackle Cancer Together” Night will bring players, families, fans and the community together to remember those affected by cancer, recognize those currently facing it, and support cancer care in Fond du Lac.

For Fond du Lac High School junior football player Justin Kraus, cancer is more than a cause. It is something that has personally affected his family and has made him realize that many of his teammates are carrying difficult experiences of their own, including the recent loss of
Fondy senior Brenna Slavik. Brenna’s younger brother, freshman Kaden Slavik, is a member of the Fondy football team.

That realization has inspired Kraus to turn a football game into an opportunity to bring his team and the community together for a cause that reaches far beyond the football field.

Kraus wanted to create an event that would recognize those experiences while bringing people together in a meaningful way. “We’re more than just a football team. We’re a group that cares about causes, and this is just one example of the challenges faced by my teammates
that people aren’t always aware of,” Kraus said. “There are many of us dealing with heavy topics in our personal lives that can make a kid grow up pretty fast.”

On Friday, October 2, 2026, the Fond du Lac Cardinals will host Neenah at 7 p.m. at National Exchange Bank Field for “Tackle Cancer Together” Night. The event will raise awareness of cancer and provide an opportunity to support cancer care in Fond du Lac.

As fans enter the stadium, they will receive battery-operated candles and colored stickers representing 10 different types of cancer. Before the National Anthem, a statement will be shared, followed by a moment of reflection honoring those whose lives have been affected by
cancer.

The Cardinals players will also take part in the recognition by wearing sleeves or socks in colors representing the type of cancer that has personally affected them or someone they love.

Marty Ryan, president of the Fondy Cardinal Quarterback Club, said Kraus’ initiative demonstrates the impact young people can have when they turn personal experiences into an opportunity to help others.

“We find the effort and initiative that Justin has brought to us to be a worthy cause, and we find his dedication very admirable for such a young man,” Ryan said. “The truth is, many kids his age are faced with friends or family members battling cancer, and we are proud to join him in his efforts to bring awareness to this cause.”

The community will also have an opportunity to provide financial support during the game. Members of the Cardinals’ seventh-, eighth- and freshman-level football teams will collect monetary donations following the first and third quarters. All proceeds will be donated to the
SSM Health Cancer Center in Fond du Lac.

Those unable to attend the game but wishing to contribute may also donate through Venmo at FondyQBClub.

The event is being organized by the Fondy Cardinal Quarterback Club, with financial support from Aquatic Biologists and the Fondy Cardinal Quarterback Club.

While the Cardinals will take the field that night focused on competing against Neenah, Kraus hopes the evening will serve as a reminder that some of the most important battles people face never appear on a scoreboard.

Date posted: September 28, 2026