Pepperdine University’s Esports team held an MVP Draft Signing Day Saturday to induct honorary new member Connor Woods, who has been fighting T-Cell Leukemia since 2021. Cancer Fit, a leading nonprofit dedicated to supporting childhood cancer warriors and their families, partnered with Pepperdine Esports for the event and has been working with Woods and his family during his leukemia treatment, which is expected to be completed in September 2024.
During the MVP Draft Signing, the Pepperdine Esports team warmly embraced 14-year-old Connor as an honorary team member for the remainder of the season. Connor and his family shared about his experience fighting cancer, joined the team for lunch, a campus tour and photos. Naturally, Connor also joined the Esports team in a gaming session.
The team will dedicate a match to Connor and Childhood Cancer Awareness by “going gold,” a symbolic gesture in gaming that underscores the team’s commitment to spreading awareness and providing support to children fighting cancer.
“We are immensely grateful to the Pepperdine Esports team for their compassion and dedication to making a difference in the lives of children battling cancer,” said Robb Bolton, director of Campus Recreation at Pepperdine and cofounder of Cancer Fit. “Connor's MVP Draft Signing Day marks an incredible milestone in his journey, and we are thrilled to witness the community coming together to raise awareness and support for pediatric cancer.”
Pepperdine University is a private Christian university located 30 miles west of Downtown Los Angeles in Malibu, California. Rooted in the Christian tradition, Pepperdine is committed to both the relentless pursuit of truth through academic and scholarly excellence and to embodying Christian faith and values. With students at the heart of the educational enterprise, the University prepares approximately 10,300 scholars across its liberal arts school, Seaver College, and its four nationally recognized graduate schools for lives of purpose, service, and leadership.