Mia Hamm Foundation
Sport and Stats
At age 15 in 1987, the
youngest woman ever
to play on the U.S.
Women’s National
Soccer Team and, in
1991 and 1999, played
on the winning teams of
the FIFA Women’s
World Cup.
Location of Activities
United States
Mission
Started in 1999, the
Mia Hamm Foundation
provides support for
patients and families
undergoing bone
marrow and cord blood
transplants. Hamm
lost her brother Garrett
to aplastic anemia in
1997. The foundation
raises awareness and
funds for families
whose members are
undergoing treatment
and promotes sports
among young women.
“Sports gave me
confidence.…I made
my first set of friends
on the field,” says
Hamm. “The lessons
learned in sports—
communication,
self-esteem, time
management,
education—all these life
lessons are why we try
to promote sports for
young women.”
Mia Hamm visits actress Charlize Theron’s Mpilonhle
(A Good Life) project, dedicated to HIV/AIDS prevention
among adolescents. July 8, 2010, Mtubatuba, Kwazulu Natal,
South Africa. Photo by Brent Stirton (C TAOP/Contour/Getty).
Why It’s Important
Hamm’s personal
connection to bone
marrow and cord blood
transplant has made her
an outspoken advocate
for families and patients
undergoing treatment.
Website
www.miafoundation.org
You don’t necessarily need to start your own foundation,
but the attachment to a cause is amazing when it is personal.
HAMM
