A promise to a dream began as a conversation between soccer fans in a Fells Point pub in the summer of 2008. One of the stories was about ardent Bayern Munich supporter, Craig Willinger, who was devoting all of his energy and finances to chemotherapy treatments and an uncertain future with a high-risk cancer diagnosis. His loved ones knew he needed something big to look forward to – a dream of something more than just survival.

That conversation about Craig became the motivation for several fundraising events, hosted by Darren Rudham and the Baltimore Area Liverpool Supporters Club, that made Craig’s deferred dream a reality. Craig was going to see his favorite team, Bayern Munich, play at home in Germany - his dream come true! But Craig and his girlfriend returned from the experience of a lifetime with a new dream: why not someone else?

The Craig Willinger Fund (CWF) was created in 2009 to show young soccer fans fighting cancer that dreams and amazing experiences can be part of their future. Through the support of family, friends, friends of friends, the professional and recreational soccer community, and many others, the Craig Willinger Fund has become a success. In June 2010, CWF awarded their first honoree, Kathryn Hudson of Clarksville, MD, a trip to FIFA's World Cup in South Africa that included a meet and greet with Team USA. Jordyn Farrell, of Suwanee, Georgia, became the organization’s second honoree in November. The 17-year-old and her father traveled to Barcelona to see FC Barcelona play Villareal at Camp Nou, the largest soccer stadium in Europe and was surprised with VIP access to the team and a special meet-and-greet with two-time Balon d' Or winner Lionel Messi.

Our goal for the 2011 is to present five more young cancer survivors this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see world-class soccer, domestically or abroad including trips to Italy and FIFA's Women's World Cup in Germany.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Craig Willinger - Chairman
Darren Rudham- Vice Chairman
Emily Agueda - Board Member
Joe Cluster - Secretary
Laura Melton - Board Member
Brendan Tighe - Treasurer
Brian Shappell - Board Member (Not Pictured)
Erin Klisch - Board Member (Not Pictured)
Pete Medd - Board Member