Rally for Childhood Cancer

My leadership class had their first big project on Friday night.  It was our annual Matt Hobby football game to support the Rally Foundation who raises money for childhood cancer research.

Elizabeth and Caroline got to help us set up to welcome the Rally Families (those with kids who have or have had cancer.)

Every day there are 46 parents who learn the devastating news that their child has cancer.    One of our own students, Matt Hobby, was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma when he was in high school.  He played football and was determined to beat it.  His teammates supported him and the phrase Stand Tough became his motto.  Unfortunately, he lost his battle just a few days after graduation in 2006.  Each year Pope High School raises money to support research for childhood cancer and continue Matt's legacy.

Two of my students created this video to share Matt's story and help raise money.  They did it completely on their own with no guidance from me.  I was so proud of them!

Elizabeth (on the left) is one of my students.  Her twin sister, Julia, had brain cancer.  She is now in remission and just had her port removed last week!

Every year the coaches and players chose one player to wear Matt's number 70 on this night only. They all raise money and if they reach their goal they have special jerseys made just to wear for that game.  Quinton Bange was chosen this year.  This is him with Matt's parents.  I never met Matt, but I imagine he's pretty proud of his parents and everything they've done in his name.

Little Drew got to walk out with the players and do the coin toss.  At 2 1/2 years old, his parents were told he had only a 10% chance of surviving the cancer he had been diagnosed with.  His parents found 2 experimental treatments for him try.  Both of which were 100% funded by the Rally Foundation.  He is alive and well today because of the research dollars raised by Rally!  

Some of our Rally Kids got to run through with the players.

We raised a record amount this year.  Over $27,000 and still counting at the end of the game.  In the last 6 years, Pope has raised over $100,000 for Rally.  I am so proud to be apart of this school and to work with these kids who give their hearts and souls to serve others!