Four years ago, it started with a vision to take somethinghorrible and create something brilliant. The visionary was RyanGibson. He had a plan, he left a dream, and it was up to his lovedones to act.
Gibson didn’t lose his battle with leukemia, he beat thehell out of it. He passed away, leaving behind the inspiration tocreate a foundation to save the lives of others fighting his samebattle. The Ryan Gibson Foundation was created shortly afterGibson’s death to continue the ideals and values he heldclose to his heart during his life.
The value of the young man’s life isn’t measured inyears, its measured in the difference he made. Gibson’svision was to raise money for leukemia research in an effort tofind a cure for the disease. The vision is something his friendsand family wouldn’t let die.
Pi Kappa Alpha’s fifth annual Powder Puff tournament hasset out to accomplish those same goals Gibson created. The flagfootball event takes place on the SMU campus every spring.
This year Pi Kappa Alpha hopes to generate $4,000 to donate tothe Gibson Foundation. The money is generated through companysponsorship, private donations and the team registration fees forthe tournament.
The flag football tournament is one of the highest attendedphilanthropy events around campus annually. The support is a directresult of the hard work that goes into making the event a success.In turn the weekend is also a tribute to Gibson and all of the hardwork he put into his dream.
Pi Kappa Alpha’s compassion for its former member willcontinue to grow with the strength of the event in hopes of one daybringing an end to Gibson’s dream.
An estimated 30,800 new cases of leukemia will be diagnosed inthe United States this year. Currently, there are approximately166,000 people in the United States living with leukemia.
Leukemia is a disease of the bone marrow and blood that isusually characterized by the accumulation of blood cells.
More information on the Ryan Gibson Foundation can be found atwww.ryangibsonfoundation.org.
Donations are always welcome.
