Here is a reflection from senior Evan Leppink:
Malaria is something everyone has heard of, but, here in the United States, few people have been affected by it. However, it is arguably the biggest, most life-threatening disease affecting the world today. Since the United States eradicated the disease in 1950, 41 million people have died from Malaria, and 90% of these deaths occurred in sub-saharan Africa. Tonight, an estimated 2,000 children will die from the disease, and another 250 million people will be affected by it this year alone. However, Malaria is almost entirely preventable by a simple bed net.
Last Monday, September 16, the Holland Christian men’s varsity soccer team hosted Holland High School in the first annual Night of Nets. Not only did the game go into overtime where the two teams tied, more importantly, through selling shirts, raising funds, and partnering with World Vision and Cornerstone University, over $2400 dollars were raised to buy roughly 400 bed nets for families in sub-saharan Africa. This is 400 lives that were saved. As a player for the Maroons, it was an honor to be a part of something that has such an impact on so many people, and it is an honor to be a part of a team, school, and community that prides itself on getting involved in such world changing endeavors. There is no doubt the second annual Night of Nights will be even better.
