Rob Wagner, a sophomore UW-La Crosse Football player, was diagnosed with a rare form of Bone Cancer in 2006. In an effort to help Rob and his family with medical expenses, Erik Johnson, one of Rob’s teammates, came up with this idea to put on a dance show featuring the UW-La Crosse football and dance team. Erik and the performers began to put together a show presenting both talented dance routines
and hilarious antics. He pleaded with his doctors to push back a treatment so he could attend this event. He ended up being able to go and surprised the dancers and audience by giving a heartwarming speech that graciously thanked them for what a wonderful thing they were doing. The Rob Wagner Cancer Benefit raised $5,000 for Rob's family in 2007. The event marked the beginning of a UW-L tradition and has continued for six years in a row. Each year these amazing student athletes put in over 3 months of practice to prepare for the show. Every year the preparation for the event turns into your classic romantic comedy. The girls have to patiently choreograph and teach the football players over 18 different dance numbers while the guys have to bite their tongue as they realize that dance is a real sport. Together, they present the perfect mix of comedy and class in a hilarious production. Through the years the event has raised over $100K in helping UW-La Crosse students fight cancer, with additional funds raised to assist cancer research. The 5th annual show raised money for another student athlete, Brock McMullen, a UW-L Football player who was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in December 2010. During that year, over $6,000 was raised to assist his family with his medical expenses. The Rob Wagner Cancer Benefit may make you laugh but the cause is serious and with purpose. This event was obviously a big financial support for Rob’s family but to Rob this event was so much more as it provided the inspiration and support he needed to make it through his journey in a positive way. Rob has continued his involvement with this event annually to help support this great cause and pay tribute to those who make this happen this year. Money raised has assisted in our goals and continued commitment to cancer research, as well as financial and emotional support of patients. Contributions will help sustain our efforts towards a cure. The net proceeds from The 9th Annual Rob Wagner Cancer Benefit will benefit Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer (MACC Fund).
