GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Six a.m. is an early alarm for a weekend.
But the Gator gymnasts had plans for their Saturday morning.
First, it was off to weight lifting at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Then after a quick change, the gymnasts were off to join many other Gator student-athletes at a different kind of lifting event.
The student-athletes met at Florida’s Indoor Practice Facility to start the morning of fun at Climb for Cancer. The event, now in its 17th year, is a chance for children who are undergoing cancer treatment or cancer survivors to meet at UF’s athletic facilities to play games and sports with the Gator student-athletes.Leanne Wong – Climb for Cancer 241026
Leanne Wong helps Mac with the start of a cartwheel at Saturday’s Climb for Cancer. (Photo: Victoria Riccobono/UAA Communications)
The event welcomes those facing cancer and their siblings. Desi Garrison, a 16-year from Port Orange, Fla., was diagnosed with leukemia in 2013 and got to ring the all clear bell in 2015. She attended her first Climb for Cancer in 2014 and now it is a must-do fall event for the Garrison family. Joining Garrison today was her younger brothers Graham (7), Gray (9) and Grant (11).
“I like to see that they still do this event for survivors,” Garrison said. “In addition to the survivors still being invited, I can bring my little brothers, because honestly, they enjoy doing the sports more than I do. It’s fun to see them enjoy it.”
Source: Gator Gymnasts Help Lift Pediatric Cancer Patient Spirits at 17th Annual Climb for Cancer
