The Pablove Foundation, through Marquette Radio’s “Rock-a-Thon” event this week, will receive donations from the Marquette community in an effort to combat childhood cancer.
The foundation is a nonprofit organization that strives to fund pediatric cancer research and advances in treatment, educate families affected by cancer and improve the quality of life for children living with the sickness through playtime, music and arts programs, all while undergoing treatment in the hospital.
Marquette alumnus Jeff Castalez and his wife, Jo Ann Thrailkill, lost their 6-year-old son, Pablo, to bilateral Wilms Tumor, a rare form of childhood cancer, and later founded the foundation.
Andrew Boyd, a senior in the College of Arts & Sciences and the general manager of Marquette Radio, is leading the funding efforts for the Pablove Foundation along with other DJs and staff.
“When we heard about this organization, we just fell in love with (Pablo’s) story,” Boyd said. “We knew we wanted to get involved in some way and help end childhood cancer.”
Boyd said he admires Castalez, the founder of Los Angeles-based Dangerbird Records, for his work in the music industry, but more so for his dedication to the foundation.
Boyd said using connections within Marquette Radio is an effective method to raise money for the foundation.
“Since I’ve been at Marquette, MU Radio has grown so much,” Boyd said. “Radio is a great way to spread a message and get people to follow.”
Since fundraising began this Tuesday, Boyd said he looks forward to the remainder of the week and taking donations at the table Marquette Radio set up in the Alumni Memorial Union until Friday evening when the event ends with the Brew Coffee House Series featuring Marquette musical performances. Marquette Radio is accepting both cash and Marquette Cash donations.
“We know we’re not going to raise millions of dollars,” Boyd said. “But we’re doing our part to make a difference.”
Christina Kowalsky, a junior in the College of Communication and the special events director for Marquette Radio, said she most appreciates the Pablove Foundation for its efforts in easing the stress and harsh reality cancer patients and their families endure.
“The foundation focuses on everyday life for these children to make things easier,” Kowalsky said. “(The founders) have put a lot of effort into making children’s time in the hospital more comfortable.”
Kowalsky has spoken with Castalez and said he is very excited and thankful for Marquette Radio’s efforts to help his cause.
“When someone you look up to is affected by something like this, it touches you, too,” Kowalksy said.
Boyd said Pablove’s slogan, “Treating Childhood Cancer with Love,” will translate well to the Marquette community, as many individuals have already been receptive of the foundation’s efforts.
According to the foundation’s website, cancer claims the lives of more children each year than AIDS, asthma, cystic fibrosis and diabetes combined.
