Row for a Cure

Rivals are built over time, it takes skilled competitors often striving for the same goal to build up the opposition. But what happens when rivals are suddenly stacked on the same side? In the case of Canisus and McQuaid's rowing teams they became comrades still working towards the same goal. Reid Yankowski of Canisus High School says, "Initially it was just something fun to do over the summer, but when Jack and I came together we decided it should be for the benefit of Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation." Jack Ruh of Canisus High School says, "Then I offered up the idea of rowing for a cause, we had a few initial ideas of what we might do like cancer, but then I pushed for JDRF because we have personal connections and I thought it would be good to row for them."

Not only have two rival schools come together for a good cause they're learning about themselves and those that may be less fortunate. Steven DiFiore of McQuaid Jesuit High School says, "I've learned a lot about kind of how to apply rowing for something or just applying yourself for something and that kind of helps with motivation." Cameron Pizzo of McQuaid Jesuit High School says, "It's just really fun to kick back with the guys on both teams and just relax and kind of reflect on we did a good days work." Jack Sardinia of Canisus High School says, "Waking up this morning we knew we had a long day ahead of us. We knew the wind was bad but it puts it into perspective meeting the kids with Juvenile Diabetes. We've met a couple kids along the way and you realize you're doing something bigger than yourself."

After five days the teams have completed two hundred miles and raised over fifty-thousand dollars. With three days left they have under ten thousand dollars to reach their final goal of 60-thousand. Regardless they've formed new bonds while lending a hand for others.