This season, Kortne Ford and his mother Laurie’s story have given us all the feels. The well-known story about how Laurie was diagnosed with stage four cancer earlier in the year and the inspiring support from Rapids fans, players and the front office in their Stand for the Fords campaign gave us another chapter on Tuesday when a jersey auction organized by defensive midfielder Michael Azira and his wife raised $10,000 for Laurie’s treatment.
The Rapids players all jumped on board their idea of signing and selling game-worn jerseys in a seven day online auction and to donate all of the proceeds to Laurie Ford’s treatment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uh8YtsxDN9A
Before the presentation of the check, head coach Pablo Mastroeni took the opportunity to reflect on the camaraderie of the team and their commitment to each other.
“When anyone here suffers, men, we all suffer,” Mastroeni said. “At the end of the day, we’re all humans trying to make it, trying to do our very best to succeed in life, and I think this idea is a reflection of the commitment that you guys have towards one another. And that’s not fabricated.”
Azira was the next to speak, and he took a matter-of-fact approach.
“If you say it’s family, it’s about taking care of each other,” Azira said. “That was great of you guys and the sacrifice you did for Kortne and for his mom and what they’re going through. It could be you, it could be me the next day. So let’s just pass it on and continue to do good things for each other.”
Azira then handed a visibly appreciative Kortne the check to help his mother’s treatment. The auction marks yet another swelling of support for Laurie. It all started when the Rapids organization learned about Laurie’s battle and helped spread the word about her GoFundMe page. Rapids fans, being the tightly-knit and caring bunch they are, then banded together for a more visible show of support. During the 24th (in honor of Kortne’s #24 jersey number) minute of the May 5 match against the Vancouver Whitecaps, fans stood for the duration to symbolize their support of Laurie and the Ford family.
#Rapids96 fans w/ a great gesture: standing ovation in 24th min in support of Kortne Ford's mom, who is battling cancer again.
🎥 @AbbieMood pic.twitter.com/SAbXMyojbq
— COPA90 US (@Copa90US) May 6, 2017
Kortne has always been quick to show his appreciation to everyone involved, from the fans to the players to the organization. Despite the success in fundraising, Laurie’s fight is not over. Support her battle by donating to her GoFundMe page.