NBPS Lacrosse Team Adopts Young Cancer Fighter and Family

North Broward Preparatory School drafted three teammates Caedyn Jynella (5) and his brothers, Gavin (9) and Keenan (6), as the newest honorary Varsity Lacrosse team members.

Caedyn's journey to this moment has been marked by incredible resilience. Diagnosed with Optic Nerve Glioma at just 12 months old, he has faced the challenges of partial loss of vision and hearing. Caedyn has completed several rounds of chemotherapy and continues his courageous battle with an unwavering spirit, with regular visits to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital of Miami for ongoing treatment.

Head Coach Josh Blumenthal looks forward to helping the Jynella family throughout the season. This is the coach’s eleventh adoption with Friends of Jaclyn. “We’re giving them an escape from their daily routine and allowing us to appreciate all we have. It’s a positive for us, as a team, them as a family, and for North Broward.”

NBPS lacrosse players will be on-campus ambassadors to the family. The players include Max Brownbill (Junior), Chandler Ripps (Junior), Ryder Schwartz (Sophomore), and Chase Rosentrauch (Freshman). Ryder Schwartz shares the importance of these brothers to the team. “It means everything because I’m able to come together with my brothers on the team to help kids who maybe don’t have the same experience because they are battling through something greater. Thank you, Coach, for allowing us to have this opportunity to hopefully make someone’s life better.” 

This draft and adoption were made possible by the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation. Founder Denis Murphy says “Partnering with the North Broward Prep Varsity Lacrosse team will instantly affect both the Friends of Jaclyn adoptee and North Broward players! North Broward doesn't realize the breadth and depth of what they are engaging in and how life-changing this program is. Other children will come out of their homes to be adopted. They don't know these children. They will probably never meet them but will change their lives.  It's happening already, since Head Coach Blumenthal has started the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation adoption process, we have had inquiries from both families and other local teams to get involved. That is priceless."

The draft party was a celebration of strength, resilience, and community spirit. The Jynella brothers signed official draft letters, symbolizing their bond with the North Broward Prep Lacrosse family. In addition to this, the trio were presented with personalized lacrosse sticks and game jerseys, marking the beginning of their honorary membership.

The lacrosse team, known not only for its prowess on the field but also for its commitment to community engagement, recognizes the power of sports to bring people together. By drafting Caedyn, Gavin, and Keenan, the team aims to provide unwavering support to a family facing the challenges of childhood cancer.
This marks a milestone in the North Broward Prep Lacrosse team's dedication to fostering a sense of community both on and off the field.