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RIVAL SCHOOLS STEP UP
Help replace money stolen — and then some — from benefit for EY soccer player fighting cancer
EU soccer feature pic by SEAN KAHLER (for WEB).jpg
Pablo Palacios (holding photo) is flanked by his family during East Union High soccer’s senior night on Wednesday at Dino Cunial Stadium. - photo by Photo By Sean Kahler

Last week, the East Union High boys’ soccer program hosted Sierra in the “Kicking for A Cure” game.

All proceeds were earmarked to help Lancer senior Lancer Pablo Palacios, who is receiving treatments for lung cancer.

But then, the unthinkable happened – some of the money passed around to help the family foot the medical bills was stolen at Dino Cunial Field.

“It wasn’t much but it still meant a lot,” East Union coach Ronnie Green.

The several hundred dollars that was stolen was more than made up as other East Union school rivals — soccer teams from Lathrop, Sierra, and Weston Ranch among others — raised and contributed money to help Palacios as news of the theft spread.

The “Kicking for A Cure” game last week raised $3,300 besides what was stolen. 

“We raised somewhere between $8,000 and $9,000,” Green said once the GoFundMe page contributions and those made by rival programs are taken into acocunt

Palacios was touched by the overall generosity from all involved.

The 17 year old was among the 17 seniors recognized prior to the game. He’s nearing the end of his chemotherapy.

“Everything has been going well,” said Palacios, who has been making regular visits to Children’s Hospital Oakland along with his parents, Lucia Palacios and Roberto Gonzalez.

He said his young age has also been a benefit in his recovery.

Palacios, who has been playing soccer since he was 4, is optimistic about his future while being excited just to be at the games supporting his teammates.

“I missed only five games,” he said.

His family has health insurance but not enough to cover the cost for chemotherapy and other medical expenses.


To contact reporter Vince Rembulat, e-mail vrembulat@mantecabulletin.com.