It was Courtney Quinn's first lacrosse game but she was enjoying it all.

The 15 year old freshman was all smiles as she hugged school friends, neighbors and acquaintances at Thursday's lacrosse fundraiser. Quinn was diagnosed with brain tumor in 2010, and has been receiving treatment for it.

The fundraiser was organized to help the Quinn family with their expenses for Courtney's treatment.

Bowie based We Believe Foundation, which helps raise money for teens and young adults with cancer, and Just Check 'em, which raises awareness about cancer screening for teens and young adults, organized the fundraiser. The lacrosse game pitted players from DeMatha High School against Bishop O'Connell High School. Chesapeake Bayhawks team members were at hand to cheer Courtney on too.

Sarah Miller of We Believe Foundation said, "We heard about this young girl who had cancer, and we heard that she was from Crofton. She was also in the age group our foundation helps with. We definitely wanted to do something for her."

Courtney Quinn, Cancer Warrior
No one in the Quinn family plays lacrosse, said Courtney's father Tom Quinn. He professed himself surprised and happy with the sizeable turnout.

Nicole Quinn, Courtney's mother, said Courtney had responded well to treatment. Much of her regimen involves occupational and physical therapy.

"She has been doing really well, considering the circumstances," said Nicole Quinn.

The county has also made arrangements for homeschooling Courtney, said her mother, adding that Courtney had maintained her good grades, thanks to the homeschooling. Courtney now plans to re-enter high school for her sophomore year, said Nicole Quinn.

Sally Malamphy of Annapolis said she has seen Courtney growing up over the years. Her son and daughter-in-law are neighbors of the Quinns, she said.

Her children as well as several grandchildren play lacrosse, and she personally enjoys the game, said Malamphy. But tonight, she had come to give the Quinns her support, she stated.

Half-time surprises
Fundraising was not the only thing on the agenda this warm spring evening. During the half-time break, Miller of the We Believe Foundation sprung some surprises on Courtney Quinn.

Miller announced that Courtney and ten of her friends would be treated to makeovers on a day and place of their choice, courtesy of Mary Kay's Crofton representative. The Quinn family also received passes to all this season's Bayhawks games.

The final surprise of the evening was in the form of Courtney's orthodontist Dr. Levy. Courtney had had to remove her braces for chemotherapy. Dr. Levy offered to replace them for free, to loud cheers from the gathered crowd.

The Quinn family was all smiles as they exited the field.

"We know that there are good days and bad days during the treatment," said Miller, addressing Courtney. "Maybe days like today will help you get over the bad days," she added.