Kalin Foley was diagnosed with the rare rhabdomyosarcoma when he was 12.
Camera IconKalin Foley was diagnosed with the rare rhabdomyosarcoma when he was 12. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Cup match in honour of teen Kalin

Mark DonaldsonWanneroo Times

The Kalin Foley Cup returns for its fourth year on Sunday between Kalin’s former club Wanneroo and Ocean Ridge, where many of his friends played, to raise money for Sock it to Sarcoma.

Kalin was diagnosed with the rare rhabdomyosarcoma when he was 12. He resiliently battled the disease for three years but succumbed to the illness last September at age 15.

This weekend’s event is likely to be an emotional occasion as the first Kalin Foley Cup since he lost his fight.

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Kalin’s parents Paul and Brigette were determined to keep the spotlight on sarcoma research in their son’s name.

The cancer receives less than 1 per cent of research funding.

“We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received from these events and would love to see it continue as an ongoing tribute to Kalin’s request to find a cure, while adding much-needed exposure to this rare and under-funded cancer,” they said in a statement.

The inaugural cup was held in 2012 to gather funds for the football fanatic’s care after his initial diagnosis.

But at Kalin’s request, it grew to become a fundraiser for Sock it to Sarcoma from 2013 onwards.

The whole football district is now behind the cause, with local teams encouraged to wear odd socks this weekend as part of the awareness drive.

The initiative stretches to the top of WA football with WAFL side West Perth wearing one white sock when it faces South Fremantle on Saturday.

Kalin Foley Cup

Year 7 Red Division

Match one: Wanneroo Roos Black v Ocean Ridge Reefs.

Match two: Wanneroo Roos White v Ocean Ridge Pointers.

When: Sunday, August 23, 9.30am for 10am bouncedown.

Where: Wanneroo Showgrounds.