LIMA - The University of Northwestern Ohio has joined with Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus to put together a pediatric cancer benefit during the Lady Racers home volleyball match on Wednesday, Sept. 19. The Lady Racers host UM-Dearborn at 7 p.m., but activities begin at 6 p.m. All money raised during the match will go directly to Nationwide for pediatric cancer research.

Pediatric cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among children 1 to 14 years of age, according to the National Cancer Institute. There are no known causes for childhood cancer.

The cause hits close to home for Sports Information Director Jeremy Schneider. His son, Jackson, was diagnosed with Burkitt's Lymphoma when he was 2-years old. Jack underwent heavy chemotherapy, which caused him to lose his hair and 1/3 of his body weight. Now 4-years old, Jack has made a complete recovery thanks to the care of the staff at Nationwide.

"My family is extremely lucky, and we know that. We wanted to take this opportunity and help pay back the love, support and kindness we were shown during that dark time," Schneider said. "Hearing your child has cancer shakes you to your inner core; it's something from which you never return to normal. Our hope and dream is someday parents won't be so scared or feel totally hopeless when they are informed of the diagnosis. We are more than happy to donate money to help end childhood cancer."

There will be a bake sale, with items donated by the volleyball players. A select number of special t-shirts will also be for sale at $10 per shirt, of which $5 is donated to Nationwide.