Daughter Organizes “Never Quit” In Honor Of Her Father

By: Shannon Kroskie Smith

Makenna Gavin describes her father, Michael, as “larger than life.” To honor his oversized persona, the Gannon University senior and volleyball team captain organized a Gray Out fundraiser in his memory at the Gannon versus Mercyhurst University volleyball game on October 14, 2023.

As Michael’s battle with brain cancer was ending in May 2023, Makenna started to consider how she could give back to the staff members at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center that took care of her father. 

“My mom and I always marvel at how the doctors and nurses work in oncology day after day,” Makenna said. “They do such a great job of caring for not only the patients but also their families.” 

Upon returning to Erie, Makenna started planning an event to support Michael’s caregivers, specifically Dr. Jan Drappatz, by furthering their brain cancer research to improve the outcomes for other patients. Makenna worked with Gannon University and the athletics department and leaned on her assistant coach, Morgan Walters, and her teammates to pull together the “Never Quit” fundraising event. They created gray T-shirts, the color that represents brain cancer awareness, that both Gannon and Mercyhurst players wore before the match. 

The cancer awareness night was heavily advertised and included a fun serve-and-hit event between the second and third sets. More than $2,000 was raised through sold-out T-shirt sales and donations. 

“What UPMC does is extraordinary,” Makenna said, adding, “We couldn’t be more grateful about the experience we had at Hillman.”  

Makenna started the night by thanking the attendees and her team for their support during the arduous journey. The crowd responded with a prolonged standing ovation. Everyone on the court that night was playing for her dad, Gavo, as friends and family affectionately called him. The Gannon Golden Knights swept rival Mercyhurst 25-15, 25-12, 25-22, in a memorable evening for all in attendance.