PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — Bursts of applause echoed across Brown University’s College Green on a crisp fall Monday as dozens of students, faculty, staff, parents and alumni put their strength behind a shared cause at the Brown football team’s 22nd annual Bench Press for Cancer fundraiser.
Each fall, Bears football players set up a bench press station along a busy walkway near Sayles Hall, inviting passersby to test their strength while raising funds for cancer patients and survivors across Rhode Island. Participants could secure pledges for each repetition or make a flat donation, with proceeds benefiting cancer survivorship programs offered by Brown University Health. As participants took turns lifting up to 175 pounds, student-athletes gathered around to cheer them on for each repetition. Those who preferred not to lift could join the effort by purchasing pink t-shirts or making cash donations.
The fundraiser dates to 2004, when then Brown football team captain Lawrence Rubia was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. Initially organized to help cover medical expenses for Rubia’s family, the fundraiser continued after his death in 2005, with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society. In subsequent years, the team has directed its fundraising toward local cancer patients and survivors through a partnership with the Miriam Hospital, part of Brown University Health.