I'm fundraising for a great cause!
Join Wisconsin Rowing on February 10, 2027 at 4 pm as we honor the memory of Robert Connor Dawes, a Wisconsin-born rower who tragically lost his life to brain cancer in 2013 at just 18 years old. Connor dreamed of attending college and continuing his rowing career in the United States.
His parents, Liz and Scott Dawes, founded the Robert Connor Dawes (RCD) Foundation to advance pediatric brain cancer research and support families facing this devastating disease.
In 2014, Connor’s legacy inspired a collegiate erg challenge: a head-to-head, 100-kilometer relay between Stanford University and the University of Wisconsin–Madison, the two universities Connor had hoped to attend and row for. Today, we proudly carry that tradition forward!
All five Wisconsin Rowing teams (Men’s Row, Men’s Novice Row, Women’s Row, Women’s Novice Row, Women’s Lightweight Row) will unite on the ergs to raise awareness and funds for pediatric brain cancer research at UW–Madison, helping advance research and improve hope for children and families affected by this disease.
This important work is connected to Dr. Christian Capitini, pediatric oncologist, researcher, and director at UW Carbone Cancer Center; Dr. Portia Smith, postdoctoral researcher in Dr. Capitini’s lab and recipient of an RCD Foundation Fellowship supporting childhood brain tumor immunotherapy research; Liz and Scott Dawes, Connor’s parents and founders of the RCD Foundation; and Leslie Steffin, U.S. Business Development Manager for the RCD Foundation, who helps bring this meaningful effort to the Madison community.
We are so lucky to come together as a Wisconsin Rowing family for something bigger than ourselves. Every stroke represents hope, every dollar supports research, and every effort helps move us closer to better treatments for children facing brain cancer.
Come cheer on our Badgers and help us make every stroke count!
Go Bucky!
