JMU Football RCD Fundraising Event

By Patrick Rea Fundraise with us

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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!

Thank you to my donors

$1.03k

Kirby Smith

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

$928.11

Kirby Smith

Outstanding contributions to the team Patrick ! Impressive, awesome results.....keep it up !

$700

Patrick Rea

$1,000

William Loomis

$627.84

Kirby Smith

My prayers and thoughts are with John Paul's wonderful family at this time. Patrick, congratulations on your continued outstanding punting.....that contribute to this most worthy cause.

$327.72

Kirby Smith

Some more great punts at the ODU game. You are a " difference" maker Patrick.

$328.46

Katie Macri

Great game, Patrick!! You’re going to cure cancer by the end of the season!

$277.93

Anonymous

$278.12

Cliff And Kristen Wood

$216.50

Katie Macri

Great win this week!! 💜💛

$216

Anonymous

Love the work you are doing! Go Dukes!!

$163.43

Lillian

So proud of you keeping your sisters memory alive!

$106.75

Alice Brown

$106.75

Steve Petti

Very inspiring that you’re willing to take the lead in raising money for such a great cause.

$106.75

Michelle Arnold

In memory of Pippa and John Paul. Thank you for sharing your story Patrick and for raising awareness in the fight against DIPG. Go Dukes, never stop fighting.

$106.75

Steve Vorpahl

Pat - Thank you for your incredible support of the RCD Foundation in memory of Pippa and John Paul! Your efforts to get the JMU community involved mean so much and help keep their memories alive while making a difference for others. We truly appreciate everything you’re doing.

$106.75

George Wheeler

$106.75

Alice Brown

$106.75

Katie Macri

Way to get the win! JP was with you all in that game.

$106.75

Jmu Sound Off

In honor of John Paul and in memory of Pippa. Congratulations on an amazing performance against SDSU but more importantly, thank you for using your platform for this cause. You bring so much to the JMU community and it’s noticed. Go Dukes! -JMU Sound Off

$106.75

Alice Brown

$104.35

Courtney Porter

In honor of John Paul and Pippa, and all the families still battling DIPG. Keep up the fight!! Go Dukes!!

$106.75

Bruce Davis

$106.75

Anonymous

$106.75

Alce Brown

$106.75

Kathleen Macri

$55.95

Shepherd Family

Keep up the good work for Pippa and John Paul….sending you love and support. The Shepherd Family

$55.95

Anonymous

Great way to honor your sister Pippa, John Paul, and all children suffering with tragic illness.

$55.95

Anonymous

$55.95

Suarez

Cheers mate

$55.95

Dan Everard

Thanks for sharing your story. Pippa will always live on as you celebrate her life. Looking to seeing you as you walk by in P-Lot on Saturday. Go Dukes!

$55.95

Heather Suarez-

What a great cause. You know little sister is proud of you.

$50

Genie O’brien Glaser Class Of 1986

Thank you for your assistance in helping DIPG children & families & hopefully finding a cure for such a horrible inoperable brain tumor.

$50

Phil Cockrell

Go Pippa! Go Dukes!

$50

Zach Greenberg

$50

Zina Bassett

In honor of John Paul Macri.

$23.81

Murph

Dukes pride - thx

$23.81

Rick Templeton

$23.81

Erik Dart

Keep up the good work man!

$23.81

Anonymous

$20

Anonymous

$11.92

Sheldon Gagné

Dukes Supporting Dukes

$5

Anonymous