By Cameron Slavin ‘23

On Thursday, Nov. 17, Brother Rice hosted a dress down fundraiser for “Live Like John”. Brother Rice raised just under $1,000 and all of the proceeds went to The John McNicholas Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. To top it off, Brother Rice is also going to make a donation of $1,000.

John McNicholas was a sophomore at St Rita when he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. John passed away on Jan. 27, 2011, after a nine-month battle with brain cancer. He was only 15 years old.

At the time of John’s diagnosis, doctors did not have as much of an understanding of pediatric brain tumors as they do now. Little information existed specifically regarding pediatric brain tumors. Doctors had more research and a larger focus on adult-brain tumors.

The Live Like John Foundation was started to raise money towards pediatric brain tumor research. The foundation uses tissue donations for research to help find a cure for brain tumors.

Senior Marty Ryan is a member of the organization’s student board, the Live Like John Service and Leadership Institute. The Live Like John Service and Leadership Institute was created in 2014 to provide an opportunity for student leaders who are eager to gain exposure working for a foundational board. It allows students to become aware and involved in a more than worthwhile cause. Students can develop creative ways to provide assistance to the foundation, and learn more about the members of the board.

Marty Ryan helps organize fundraising events and spread awareness about pediatric cancer such as the disparity between the funds for pediatric brain tumor research and the research funds for adults.

Marty Ryan said, “I joined the Live Like John board a little over a year ago now, and since then I have enjoyed being a part of this organization. It has been amazing to see the sense of community Live Like John inspires, and how we are contributing to the research of pediatric cancer.”