Albuquerque Rebels Host Game Day for Ailing Player
The club is organizing an event this weekend to support a 14-year-old volleyball player currently battling leukemia.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Philanthropy
The Albuquerque Rebels Volleyball Club is hosting a game day featuring open courts and local vendors to support a 14-year-old player who was diagnosed with leukemia in July 2026. The event serves as a community effort to rally behind the athlete as she continues her chemotherapy and recovery.
Why it matters
The gathering provides the local community an opportunity to come together and offer financial and emotional support for a young athlete navigating a difficult medical journey. By hosting this game day, the club reinforces its commitment to its members during health crises.
The event honors the club's tradition of using the number 14, while supporting a player currently undergoing chemotherapy. The organization has maintained this tribute for 8 years following the passing of a former athlete.
The players
Albuquerque Rebels Volleyball Club
This is a local youth sports organization that trains athletes in volleyball skills while fostering community connections.
Rylee Lawson
She was a former athlete of the club who passed away in 2018 at the age of 11 following an asthma-induced heart attack.
The details
The event features open courts and participation from local vendors to bring the Albuquerque community together in support of the player. The athlete has undergone multiple rounds of chemotherapy and at least one surgery as part of her treatment plan.
Timeline
The club is hosting the game day on October 24-25, 2026.
The affected player received her leukemia diagnosis in July 2026.
Former athlete Rylee Lawson died eight years ago in 2018.
Market Landscape
The club's current community support event follows the pattern of internal tribute established by the 2018 death of Rylee Lawson. This long-standing tradition of honoring former members shapes how the organization responds to the health crises of its current athletes.
Local residents can attend the game day this weekend to contribute to the support fund for the player. Attendees may participate in games and engage with vendors who are coming out to support the athlete during her treatment.
The takeaway
Community-led sports events serve as vital support systems for families managing childhood illnesses. These initiatives demonstrate the strength of local athletic networks in providing both financial and social stability during medical challenges.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to assist those in need by visiting the Philanthropy section.
More information
To review details on how to contribute or participate, view the information on how to help Sailor.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KOB.
