Since the beginning of the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research in 2005, partners from around the world have volunteered to raise money for children with cancer. The Rally Foundation empowers followers to raise awareness to find treatments—and possibly cures—for children battling cancer. The NC Rally Club collaborates with the Rally Foundation to gather donations for their cause through Rally-themed football games and fundraising nights at local restaurants.
Rally students come together every Tuesday after school during the fall semester to elaborate on future opportunities to fundraise for childhood cancer. AP Macroeconomics teacher and club sponsor Dr. Pamela Roach embraces the true meaning of Rally through her dedicated mindset to help the club achieve its fundraising goals. Co-presidents of Rally include magnet juniors Ciara Whimbush and Jack Scafidi and magnet sophomores Alyssa Mehta and Keazandra-Clyne Verdeflor.
“I heard about Rally last year and I really respected the cause which made me want to join Rally. My favorite thing about Rally is how passionate everyone is about the cause. It can be seen when people are volunteering at games, making ribbons, bracelets, etc.,” magnet sophomore Alyssa Mehta said.
During the 2023-2024 Rally season, Rally Club raised a total of $1692 for childhood cancer research. To achieve this, Rally Club partnered with Culvers October 5 from 5 to 8 p.m., where they provided Rally with 10% of funds for each order placed. Students helped by taking orders and serving customers their food throughout the night. Club members also hosted a Rally Share Night at a home football game, in which Rally members walked through the stadium with buckets asking for donations to the club’s cause. Several students stood near the front of the stadium spreading insight about the Rally Foundation.
Additionally, Rally held its annual dress up week from October 2 to October 6, which included a gold day, duo or trio day, Adam Sandler day, decades day and Rally day. On the first day of Rally week, students volunteered to help decorate the hallways of NC with handmade posters and gold ribbons. Duos and trios embraced iconic television partners such as the notorious Alvin and the Chipmunks as well as Donna Pinciotti and Jackie Burkhart from “That 70s Show.” On Thursday, students dressed up in amusing outfits for decades day to show off their favorite decade. To end the spirit week, students wore their annual Rally t-shirt designed by magnet junior Citlalli Vela for the 2023-2024 school year.
“Kids’ cancer is different, the treatments that work on adults do not necessarily work on kids so they need help beyond what research is currently being done. There is somebody you usually rally for when you think about all of these organizations. For me, it was growing up riding horses and seeing a young man ultimately lose his battle with cancer, his name was Casey and he had the cutest little pony,” Roach said.
Rally focuses on making an impact on NC and local communities to encourage the general public to support research for all pediatric cancers. The colored ribbons members of organizations such as Rally wear to support their cause express a deep meaning. For example, the National Breast Cancer Foundation members wear pink ribbons to raise awareness of breast cancer and to bring together women in solidarity. Similarly, the American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative members wear white ribbons. Rally Club members represent childhood cancer research by wearing gold accessories and ribbons during fundraising nights to show their support and raise awareness.
