Help Kevin Spike Cancer

In late March of 2021, Kevin "Beex" Harrington was diagnosed with advanced melanoma in his left leg following a mole biopsy.  He was referred to the Brown Physicians Multidisciplinary Melanoma Center, where a standout oncology team was assembled to determine a path forward.  Following an encouraging PET scan, Kevin underwent surgery to clean out the localized melanoma.  The procedure required skin grafts from his thigh, and a sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed.  His oncology team has prescribed a one-year course of immunotherapy, with more details on this treatment forthcoming.  He is currently convalescing at his apartment in Wakefield, Rhode Island.

Kevin has been a mainstay of the Rhode Island volleyball community for nearly three decades.  Following his years as an All-State competitor for North Kingstown High School and Rivier College, he's found his calling as a high school coach, manning the sidelines for not only his high school alma mater, but also for the Prout School and Bishop Hendricken.  His youth work has spanned several organizations, from his involvement with the University of Rhode Island summer volleyball camps, to coaching South County Juniors club volleyball teams, to serving as sports and games director for the North Kingstown YMCA.  His sphere of influence as both player and instructor has allowed him to impact the lives of scores of young people long after his own playing career ended.  In addition to his coaching, Kevin is an active fundraiser for Special Olympics Rhode Island and is stringing together a streak of Penguin Plunge benefits to follow in his father Paul's footsteps.

But now, Kevin needs our help.  Communities are held together by shared values, by common visions and interlocking goals.  The successes of the one bolster the triumphs of the many.  And when the one is threatened, it is incumbent upon the many to respond.  We have created this GoFundMe campaign to assist Kevin and his family during this challenging period.  And we are extending a challenge of our own: Help Kevin Spike Cancer.  All funds raised will be dedicated to Kevin's medical and living expenses, with the goal of seeing him healthy, happy, and ready to get back in the huddle as soon as possible.

This is Kevin's biggest challenge to date.  As he overcomes and perseveres, we all will share in the joy of knowing that we played a part in his recovery.  His triumph shall be our own.  Our community will be immeasurably better off for it.  Your donations are much more than financial.  They are faith-restoring, they are inspiring, they are indicators of great love and appreciation.  Surgeries and immunotherapy will destroy the sickness, but each and every one of you will heal the man.

With love and many thanks,

Paul (Dad), Nancy (Mom) and Michael (Big Bro) Harrington