Thank you, Batesburg-Leesville
Rally for Roy
Standing together for a man who has never once complained — and the family fighting beside him.
Standing together for a man who has never once complained — and the family fighting beside him.
More than 80 of you showed up on a July morning.
Together you raised over $10,000 for Roy's family.
This community is something else.
Hear From the Community
On Father's Day, June 15, 2025, Roy Gaffney was taken to MUSC in Charleston with neurological concerns. Hours later, his family received devastating news — Roy had a significant tumor in his brain.
Within days, Roy underwent brain surgery to determine the tumor type. Following the procedure, he temporarily lost function on the right side of his body — not uncommon in procedures like this, but an enormous weight for anyone to carry.
The diagnosis confirmed Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG/DIPG) — a rare and aggressive brain cancer that primarily affects children. Because of where these tumors develop, they cannot usually be surgically removed.
These tumors develop in critical areas of the brain controlling breathing, movement, and coordination. Despite ongoing research, treatment options remain extremely limited. Radiation is currently the only recognized treatment — and there is no known cure.
Roy spent a month at MUSC before traveling to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, where he participated in a clinical trial and underwent six weeks of radiation. He and his family spent three months at St. Jude in total and still return for follow-up visits.
As of May 2026, Roy is still fighting — still strong — exploring alternative treatments alongside his mother Amy, who has become his full-time caregiver and has logged hundreds of hours researching ways to help her son.
He has never once complained about his pain or his treatments. Not once.
Rally for Roy was established to come alongside children and families affected by DMG/DIPG brain tumors — not just with words, but with real, practical support.
No child should ever have to endure this ordeal. Childhood cancer affects the entire family — finances, siblings, careers, and the emotional toll on everyone involved. Together, we can help lighten that burden.
The walk is over, but Roy's fight isn't.
If you'd like to support his family, Amy's Venmo is always open.
When paying, include the note: For Roy
