9-year-old cancer survivor is honorary captain for San Jose Earthquakes

SAN JOSE, Calif. - A 9-year-old soccer enthusiast and childhood cancer survivor had the chance to get behind the scenes access and special treatment from the San Jose Earthquakes during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Harlem Clemons, from Oakland, Calif., served as the Earthquakes’ honorary captain during the Sept. 27 game against Real Salt Lake, as part of the team’s efforts to raise awareness for childhood cancer during September.

Harlem has always loved to play soccer and is a huge Earthquakes fan.

As captain for the day, he joined the team in the locker room prior to the start of the game and will walk out on the field with forward Chris Wondolowski.

Harlem was then be honored on the field and again join Wondolowski for the coin toss.

Harlem was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma at 5 years old.

His parents always knew he was tough, but even they were shocked by his undaunted strength during round after round of chemotherapy.

Today, Harlem is cancer free and a powerhouse on both the track and soccer field.

In 2014, Harlem served as one of five St. Baldrick’s Foundation Ambassadors and was a face and voice for kids with cancer.

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a volunteer-powered and donor-centered charity dedicated to raising money for childhood cancer research.

St. Baldrick’s is one of the partner charities for this game and helped to coordinate this opportunity for Harlem.