Who We Are
The LAFC Foundation furthers our Club’s mission of uniting the world’s city through the world’s game, bringing joy to people, and being a force for good in our community by supporting critical programs and bringing the indomitable Black & Gold spirit wherever we go. By supporting the programming and infrastructure that allow young people to access our favorite game, we provide not only fun and physical exercise – but also critical mentorship and a pathway to lifelong success beyond the pitch.
Spotlight: Millie Robledo, Childhood Cancer Survivor and Proud 3252 LAFC Supporter
We were honored to have a conversation with Libby Bravo about her daughter’s brave battle with cancer and their love for LAFC and 3252!
Tell us about the incredible Millie.
Millie is my warrior. She is a cancer survivor, and she also has down syndrome.
When she was born, she developed a rare form of cancer called Transient Myeloproliferative Disorder. She spent the first month of her life in the NICU and had three lifesaving platelet transfusions. At four months old she went into remission, and at six months she had heart surgery. She was declared cancer-free at one year old. We have annual check-ups to make sure it hasn't come back.
The support we’ve felt from everyone around us is amazing. Sometimes I'll be stressed about something, so I’ll reach out to friends in 3252, and they're so quick to take care of Millie and help me through the stress. They're so thoughtful at LAFC games. They provide Millie with water, food, and snacks. They look out for her as much as I do.
What’s your experience been with 3252?
Being a member of 3252 has been an amazing experience. I’ve always been a soccer fan, but I’d never been part of a group that comes together for a team then becomes more like family. The group has been so supportive of Mille and me. Everyone knows Millie. They know her as a brave warrior and cancer survivor, and they all say hi to her and show her a lot of love!
How does Millie embrace LAFC?
She loves it! Millie loves being loved. I take her to most of the games. As 3252 members we come to set up our tailgates at 7am, and Millie is right there with us, bright and early. When the tailgate begins, she hangs out with everyone. She walks around and says hi; she dances with people. And as soon as the game starts, she’s ready to cheer.
The players are so sweet; they always acknowledge Millie when they see us. Giorgio Chiellini always waves and says hi to her – they have their own little conversations. It all means a lot to us because it helps Millie feel seen and loved by the community.
LAFC has been such a positive community for Millie to have – whether we’re inside the stadium or at home, Millie feels the love. She does the chants for hours.
We're thrilled that Millie will be the honorary game ball deliverer for the match against LA Galaxy! What does this mean for you both?
This is a big moment... It means a lot to me that Milie is being recognized and supported. Even more important is raising awareness and advocating for kids with disabilities and cancer. It’s a different world when your child is diagnosed – but it’s a bright world. I just hope Millie’s story helps spread the word that it’s difficult, but Millie is here with us. She’s healthy and crazier than ever. There’s a light at the end of the tunnel.
And this is Millie’s first El Trafico game, so that will make it even more important and elevated!
See Millie tomorrow, 9/16, as she is celebrated as our Honorary Game Ball Deliverer for our home match against LA Galaxy!
LAFC Foundation Highlights
Bresee Youth Leadership Program Alumni Panel
On August 2nd, the LAFC Foundation hosted a Youth Leadership alumni panel at BMO Stadium. Incoming Bresee YLP leaders heard from former leaders about their experience with the program, the skills they gained, and how they made the transition into working with LAFC. These inspiring young leaders engaged in meaningful conversation around the importance of building leadership qualities that impact the community and open doors to success – with the help of programs like Bresee, in partnership with LAFC.
Bresee Back to School Backpack Drive
On August 3rd, Bresee hosted their annual backpack giveaway in partnership with LAFC and Pacsun. Together we provided nearly 400 students with backpacks, school supplies, and new clothes to set them up for a strong start and successful year. We appreciated the opportunity to come together and uplift families by alleviating the expenses that often come with a new school year. It was very meaningful to see the students leave feeling motivated with everything they need to show up comfortable and excited on the first day of school!
City Year LA Back to Service Event
On August 18th, the entire City Year L.A. AmeriCorps came together to pledge a year of service and make a difference in the lives of LAUSD students. The support these City Year L.A. AmeriCorps members provide – in and out of the classroom – is invaluable as we continue to work to get young people on track post-pandemic. The LAFC Foundation was very excited to join in celebrating this commitment to educational equity. We wish the AmeriCorps members and students the best of luck in the new school year!
Looking Forward
- September 21, 5-7pm: Join LAFC and BMO as we support small business at Delicious at The Dunbar!
- October 1: Join LAFC in celebrating Latin American Heritage at our match against Real Salt Lake. More details coming soon!
Get Involved
Visit the LAFC Foundation auction to bid on exclusive memorabilia and help the LAFC Foundation continue to be a force for good in the community!
Thank You
Thank you to all who support our team’s critical social impact work. To date, we’ve had the privilege to positively impacting over 30,000 underserved youth in the Los Angeles area. We are excited to watch this number grow exponentially in the years to come – and we couldn’t do any of it without you.
We look forward to keeping you updated with our Force for Good Friday newsletters. In the meantime, follow along on our Instagram, @lafcfoundation!
