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Hi all,This 2026 Football Season, I will be donating $100 to the Robert Connor Dawes (RCD) Foundation for every punt downed inside the 20 yard line. Anyone is welcome to contribute to this fundraising event and my goal is to help spread awareness for childhood brain cancer research.
At JMU, we pride ourselves on connecting purpose with football. RCD is very special to me and my family. In 2015 I lost my younger sister, Pippa, at the age of 11 to childhood brain cancer (DIPG). Pippa and I shared the same love for sports and as I go through life I focus on living through her and honoring her to the best of my ability. Seeing how Pippa fought for two years all the way until the very end helps myself keep a perspective on life. Liz and her team at RCD supported us and continue to help families and fund children’s brain cancer research in Australia and the USA.
Another reason I wanted to spread this foundation into the JMU community is because of one of our biggest fans. In March 2025, ‘05 JMU alum Katie Macri’s son, John Paul Macri, who is currently 10 years old, was diagnosed with DIPG. Players sent personal messages of encouragement and inspiration to John Paul and we see him as one of our teammates. Since then, John Paul has joined us at practice and games and even celebrated with us in the locker room after wins. John Paul’s mother stated how “his relationship with the team has been a source of strength and motivation through many of the toughest moments of his cancer journey. When things get hard, he reminds himself, ‘Dukes never stop fighting’.”
Generously, the Macri family is also matching our $100 donation for every punt downed inside the 20 yard line.
Seeing the impact us as a team can have on John Paul inspires us all to continue to work towards our goals and contribute to society in a positive way.
All proceeds will go directly towards fighting the battle of childhood brain cancer.
Thank you all and GO DUKES!
Patrick, I am glad you shared the story of your sweet, adorable sister Pippa. Also, glad you shared about John Paul. You are a special young man. I wish you much success with your most worthy fundraising efforts. All the very best, Kirby Smith