Mack Brady of State College was a happy, healthy third grader, who without warning, fell ill last week with a severe and sudden infection. Tragically and shockingly--within hours Mack was gone.

Christian Brady, Mack’s father, says "We loved our little boy to pieces, and wanted him to live on as much as possible. We wanted to do it in a way that remembered what was positive and fun about Mack."

And so, Mack’s father and mother, both Penn State faculty members, are setting up an endowment in Mack’s name. It's a scholarship for a Penn State men's soccer player--someone Mack one day aspired to be.

Brady adds, "Mack was incredibly passionate about soccer. He was an aspiring goalkeeper. His dream was to be a U.S. national player. We wanted to find a way to express the joy he felt on the field.”

Mack's endowment is for $50,000 and is based on donations. Mack's father says the community outpouring has been incredible--within just days already reaching the halfway mark. Halfway to a goal, a dream, a tribute to a little soccer player gave his all, both on and off the field.

Brady notes, "Someday, there will be a Mack Brady Scholar playing on Jeffery field. I think it’s a fitting tribute to our wonderful boy."

To donate to Mack’s scholarship go to givenow.psu.edu.