SPRING HILL, Fla. — Hundreds of thousands of people all across the globe participated last week in the "Stack Up! 2018" speed stacking event, hoping to contribute to breaking a Guinness World Record.
- Charlene Francisco turns event into fundraiser
- It was in memory of her brother, David, who died at 51
- Hundreds of dollars raised through T-shirt sales, sponsors
- More Hernando County headlines
A teacher at Powell Middle School in Spring Hill got her middle schoolers involved, and her reason behind it hits close to home.
Speed stacking is a sport many children have tried during physical education, strengthening hand-eye coordination and teamwork skills.
However, Charlene Francisco wanted to do even more than just having children try out the sport. She turned the "Stack Up!" event into a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, all in memory of her brother, David.
"You know I think he'd be really touched," Francisco said.
David lost his three-year battle with a rare form of cancer in March at just 51 years old.
"It was a shock to all of us," Francisco said. "Because my brother was an athlete and very conscientious lifestyle in his eating habits. He never smoked a day in his life he was a marathon runner."
“One of the things he shared with me within the last year was that he wished that he could help more people out,” she added.
And now, in a way, she said he is.
Hundreds of dollars were raised for the event through T-shirt sales and sponsors.
The students showing their support, just like Francisco said they have since the first day David was diagnosed.
"I hope the students realize that it’s important to do things for other people to be considerate of their values and understand that it’s not just about me," she explained.
It's a school giving back, with each stack, hoping to be that much closer to a cure.