FREDONIA — Tonight and Saturday, the Fredonia State women’s basketball team and their opponents — Potsdam and Plattsburgh — will be “lacing up” in support of the Go 4 the Goal Foundation that raises funds and awareness for pediatric cancer. The teams will sport yellow shoelaces purchased to support the Go 4 the Goal Foundation. Friday’s contest tips off at 5:30 p.m. in Dods Hall, and Saturday’s game begins at 2 p.m.

The Go 4 the Goal Foundation was founded by Richard and Beth Stefanacci in 2007 after their son, Richard, was diagnosed a rare form of cancer. Teams across the country have been lacing up with the gold laces in support of the foundation since 2011. The program’s focus is to support families with such things as day-to-day bills and travel expenses. Lace Up 4 Pediatric Cancer directly benefits patients in states where funds are raised.

The Devils (5-6 / 1-3 SUNYAC) are returning home after four-straight road games. It will also be their first conference action in the friendly confines of Dods Hall this season. Tonight’s opponent, Potsdam, enters the fray at 1-4 / 4-7, while Plattsburgh will take on Buffalo State tonight before making the trip to Fredonia.

Facts:

1 in 4 elementary schools has a student battling cancer.

15,000 children each year are diagnosed with cancer.

50 percent of families with a child battling cancer file for bankruptcy.

2/3 of pediatric cancer patients have long-lasting chronic conditions associated with treatment of the disease