STANFORD, Calif. – Rowers from Stanford, Wisconsin and Duke recently participated in the third annual Connor's Ergo Challenge, a 100K erg competition that helped raise money for pediatric brain cancer research. The Cardinal has competed in the important event all three years, in honor of Connor Dawes, who was a potential collegiate rower for both Stanford and Wisconsin. Connor, unfortunately, passed away from brain cancer before he could make his college decision.
"It was a privilege for our team to erg against Wisconsin for Connor Dawes and to help raise funds for childhood brain cancer research," said Stanford men's rowing head coach Craig Amerkhanian. "We've got a great partnership with Lucille Packard Children's Hospital and we continue to grow from our experience of doing something that's positive for the hospital."
The money raised by each institution benefits each school, with all of the funds Stanford raised benefiting research efforts led by Dr. Michelle Monje of Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford. The studies are dedicated to understanding and developing treatments for "DIPG," a rare form of pediatric brain cancer. Stanford men's, women's, and lightweight rowing programs all participated in the event, raising approximately $24,000 in total, and $5,000 for the hospital.
"The energy of the Stanford rowing community was inspiring," said women's rowing head coach Derek Byrnes. "We're glad we got to share in supporting the event with Wisconsin and Duke. Thanks to Scott Dawes at the Robert Connor Dawes Foundation for coming out and organizing this great event."
"It was wonderful to work together as a boathouse to support such an important cause," added lightweight rowing head coach Kate Bertko. "The Connor's Erg Challenge is an important part of our program, and we're proud to support it each year with our fellow rowing programs."