At the start of high school soccer season, I was asked to do a photo shoot with the Dowling Catholic High School boys varsity soccer team, as part of their team building experience—capturing their personalities, their teamwork, and their love for the game. My oldest son played on the team during his four years in high school and just graduated last year, so I have had the chance to get to know a lot of these players, the coaches and their families. They have become like family to us over the years, we’ve celebrated all the wins and losses and ups and downs together. But what makes this team truly special goes far beyond their winning records and something that I can’t quite capture in a photoshoot.

Behind the scenes of this amazing team, is a story about a dedicated family and their senior player, John. John’s family, the Foths, have been a cornerstone of this soccer team for years. Their support, spirit, and love for the game runs deep! They’re the people that show up early, cheer loudly, and support every player on the team like their own! Tony, John’s dad, is always volunteering to help the announcer with names and numbers and running the game clock and anything else the team needs. Michelle, John’s mom, has been the soccer team parent and the heart of the soccer team – always stepping up to do the little things that make a big difference and lift team spirit. They have poured so much love into this soccer team and now, they are walking through something no family should have to face.

John’s younger sister, Ava, is currently in the middle of her second battle with cancer. And in an incredible act of courage and love, John will be her bone marrow donor, which may require him to miss out on part of his senior soccer season. The strength and resilience that Ava and her family have shown as they have faced many uncertain and unimaginable challenges is nothing short of inspiring. It is like the strength that our players need to find in the toughest moments of a soccer game. You fight through, you show up for your team, play your heart out and give it your all.

The Foths have ALWAYS shown their unwaivering love for this soccer team and its families. In lieu of charging for the team photos this year, I wanted to find a way to honor Ava and her family and support other families like theirs who are navigating the unimaginable. I asked John’s mom, Michelle, if they have a charity they would want to support and she mentioned Unravel Pediatric Cancer, a nonprofit based in West Des Moines, Iowa that raises awareness of the need for pediatric cancer research and the funds to support this research. So instead of charging families for the team’s soccer photoshoot, I have set up this photo shoot gallery to be a fundraiser to raise money for Unravel Pediatric Cancer. 100% of the proceeds collected through this page will be donated directly to Unravel in honor of Ava, John and the entire Foth family.

How to Donate to this Fundraiser

• Using the form below, families and friends are invited to donate any amount they feel called to give.
• After submitting your donation, you will receive
  • a link to the full digital gallery of the 2025 varsity soccer team photos
  • gallery password
  • a PIN number to download the high resolution digital images.
• There’s no minimum—just give from the heart. Every dollar makes a difference.
  

This is a small way of showing support and love for a family that has poured so much of themselves into this soccer program. They’ve shown us what strength and resilience looks like—not just on the field, but off it too. Let’s stand beside them and show them we are on their team!

I will collect the total amount that is donated by all of you and will make the official donation to Unravel Pediatric Cancer, here in West Des Moines in honor of the Foth family. I will be sure to share the total amount that we raise from this fundraiser. Let’s rally behind the Foths and contribute to something meaningful that extends beyond the soccer season!

Thank you for your generosity, your prayers, and your continued support of the incredible Foth family. GO MAROONS!