Philadelphia Union started Fearless 43 in 2019 with the number coming tied to the number of children diagnosed daily with cancer. For the last five years the Union have partnered with Kisses for Kyle to work with 43 childhood cancer patients in the greater Philadelphia area on a special project.
On September 16th, 2023 while Philadelphia Union faced off against FC Cincinnati the club hosted Kick Childhood Cancer Night where the 2023 Fearless 43 were honored.
The night kicked off for the group with a special pregame tailgate at Union Yards where our superheroes met some of the biggest heroes in the Universe before heading inside to take in the match. Alina Gall kicked off the match as the drum striker that got the entire stadium ready to welcome the Boys in Blue to the pitch.
After taking in the first half, all 43 were invited onto the pitch for the crowd to show their support which was highlighted by a special River End tifo and bubbles.
Following the match each of the Fearless 43 exchanged bracelets and other items with a member of the Philadelphia Union along with autographs and memories they'll cherish forever.
Fearless 43 members were joined by their Super Siblings and parents to take part in five superhero themed games that created smiles and memorable moments for everyone in attendance. Up first was a test of leadership; the kids took control the Captain America shield, flinging it to take down targets. Next was super speed, with a mini-game focused on racking up the most amount of points in 20 seconds through a bean bag toss. All superheroes have amazing sight and that was put to the test in the ball pit where the Fearless 43 had to rescue missing civilians before heading over to an accuracy test where they had to toss objects through webs. The final test was that of strength with a brick wall standing between them and the finish line. It was no obstacle at all for the Fearless 43 as they smashed their way through.
During September the Philadelphia Union paid tribute to a pair of Fearless 43 members when playing at Subaru Park with the captain's armband displaying the names Kellan Ford and Maddie Harris as part of the club's Kick Childhood Cancer initiatives.
The armband honored Kellan against rivals New York Red Bulls on Sunday, September 3rd. Following the FIFA International break, the Union honored Maddie when they host FC Cincinnati for Kick Childhood Cancer Night on Saturday, September 16th. September's finale against FC Dallas saw the club honor both Kellan and Maddie with a special armband displaying both their names on September 27th.
Every day, 40 children are diagnosed with cancer, and across all ages, ethnic and socio-economic groups, cancer remains the number one cause of death by disease in children. During the month of September the Philadelphia Union and Major League Soccer intensify the effort to create awareness for children battling cancer, raise funds for research and provide special opportunities both children and adults alike.