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The Mia Hamm Foundation is a reflection of my life experiences. I created this foundation to benefit important issues that have directly affected me throughout my life. The foundation is focused on providing support for two important causes: raising funds and awareness for families needing marrow or cord blood transplants and continuing the growth in opportunities for young women in sports.
Support for Transplant Patients and Families - I understand first hand the pain associated with having a family member who needs a marrow or cord blood transplant. In 1997, my brother Garrett passed away from complications related to aplastic anemia. Through an all-star exhibition soccer match, "The Garrett Game", we are able to raise awareness and funds for bone marrow disease research, and to support families through the marrow transplant process. At halftime in the 2001Garrett Game we brought together marrow donors with recipients for the first time. It was clearly my most satisfying moment away from the field. Young Women in Sports - Needless to say, I would not have had the life experiences to date without other pioneers who worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for women in sport. Although I am encouraged by the growth of opportunities for girls, I am committed to continue the progress made in the last decade. It is my goal to help further the development of programs and initiatives for young women in sports. With these issues in mind the mission of the Mia Hamm Foundation is as follows: "The Mia Hamm Foundation is a non-profit, national organization dedicated to raising funds and awareness for families in need of a marrow or cord blood transplant and the development of more opportunities for young women to participate in sport." |