Earlier this month the second annual Volley for the Cure, sponsored by Blackburn’s Phi Gamma Nu (PGN) organization, took place in Dawes Gymnasium. Phi Gamma Nu is a professional business fraternity that helps students develop and polish professional skills and behaviors.
“It was a great turnout,” said PGN’s vice president of communications Alexis Platto. Seven teams competed in the volleyball tournament. Teams could have up to eight members although only six could play on the court at one time.
All proceeds of the event were donated to Braylee Frankford and her family to help cover medical expenses. Frankford, one-year-old daughter of Amanda and Justin Frankford of Carlinville, suffers from a rare liver disease known as biliary atresia. She has had numerous procedures and surgeries, including a liver transplant.
“We decided to host the event in honor of Braylee because we wanted to not only help raise money to donate to [her] but to also bring awareness to her disease and story,” said Platto. “Braylee is an amazing and happy little girl with a lot of fight in her.”
The Frankford family attended the event. “We were very grateful to be a part of it,” said Braylee’s mother Amanda. “Braylee loved watching everyone play volleyball…thank you to those that participated.”
Among the winning team were Blackburn students Ajay Minton, Alexis Dick, Emily Schroeder, Tommy Millburg and Seth Olson, and community members Tyler Rees and Maissie Musick. Winners received Walmart gift cards. “I was looking for experienced players who could play systematically,” explained team captain Ajay Minton. “The only thing better than playing a sport you love is doing it for a good cause,” he said.
Blackburn’s Phi Gamma Nu chapter plans on making Volley for the Cure an annual event. To learn more about Braylee, follow her story on Facebook at “Braylee’s journey with Biliary Atresia.”