What started as a desperate effort to help a brother pay for cancer treatment has grown into an annual El Paso fundraiser supporting local patients in need.
The brothers and owners of Black Flag Gym, Roby Quintela and Adrian Quintela, first organized the fundraiser after Roby was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer. They created a 24-hour rowing marathon to help cover the cost of his treatment.
It has been 11 years since Roby’s recovery, but the brothers said the experience made them realize many cancer patients still need financial and emotional support.
They now host the annual “Row for Roby” rowing marathon to raise money for local organizations that help cancer patients through the financial and emotional challenges of their diagnosis.
Gyms from across El Paso and their members take part each year, rowing in support of the cause. Many participants are cancer survivors themselves, while others row in honor of loved ones currently battling cancer for those they have lost to the disease.
All of the money raised stays in the Borderland to help local cancer patients.
Photojournalist Rudy Reyes gives us a look.
WATCH:
ROW FOR ROBY
RECOMMENDED: El Paso reflects on lessons learned 20 years after devastating floods
Sign up to receive the top interesting stories from in and around our community once daily in your inbox.