The Power of a Question: Where It All Began

In 2003, a 12-year-old pitcher named William joined a travel baseball team. His coach, Reid Crowe, quickly formed a bond with the young athlete, drawn to his determination and spirit. Reid’s son, Jonathan, was also on the team, and the families became part of a tight-knit baseball community that supported one another both on and off the field.

After the season ended, William was diagnosed with brain cancer and everything changed.

What began as baseball games turned into prayer circles, led largely by the women connected to the team including Reid’s wife, Dean.

Reid visited William in the hospital regularly, checking in on the boy who had become so much more than a player. But Dean hadn’t gone to the hospital. However, one day she went with Reid and that one visit changed everything.

When Dean stepped into his hospital room, the contrast between William’s fragile condition and their own healthy son, Jonathan, knocked the breath out of her. William was pale and gaunt, hooked up to machines, fighting for his life. The moment was jarring — shocking even — and she turned to William’s mom, Nancy, desperate to help.

“Tell me what to do to help you,” she said. “And I will not make you dinner. We are way past dinner.”

Nancy looked at Reid who told her to tell Dean what to do or she would drive him crazy.

Nancy turned to Dean and didn’t hesitate. “Raise money for childhood cancer research,” she said. “Fund the best research, no matter where it is — just fund the best.”

From that one question, Rally was born.

In September 2005 Rally received its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.

From a baseball team to a prayer circle to a hospital room to a mission — that is how Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research began.

An urgent and heartfelt question sparked it. A mother’s courage shaped it. And a community’s love continues to carry Rally forward to this day.

This is the power of people.
This is the power of purpose.
This is Rally.