Standing with Abby in Her Fight Against Leukemia
We are writing to you as Abby Rockwood’s teammates — her Syracuse Women’s Rowing Family — asking you to stand with us as she faces the toughest race of her life.
Abby is a force to be reckoned with. Whether she’s powering through a race on the water or excelling in her dual majors in Finance and Entrepreneurship at the Whitman School of Management, she embodies grit, discipline, and heart. Abby has always balanced the demands of being a Division I athlete with a deep passion for leadership and excellence. She pushes herself, and she lifts everyone around her in the process.
Now, Abby is facing her greatest challenge yet: a recent diagnosis of Acute Leukemia. In an instant, her focus shifted from the classroom and the water to a long road of intensive medical treatment. The news has shaken all of us — her teammates, coaches, friends, and family. Her treatment plan is expected to last approximately one year, with roughly 95% of her care taking place in Ann Arbor at the University of Michigan. This means stepping away from her life at Syracuse to concentrate fully on her health — a transition that is emotionally and physically demanding.
Yet, in true Abby fashion, she is meeting this challenge with determination. She plans to complete her degree and graduate with her class this May — a testament to her resilience and unwavering spirit.
Asking for help does not come easily. But as we look ahead to this year-long battle, we know that surrounding Abby with support is essential. The financial burden of prolonged treatment is significant, and we want Abby focused on one thing only: getting better.
Our goal is to raise $25,000 to help cover the medical and practical costs of this journey. Funds raised will go directly toward extensive family travel, temporary housing near the hospital for Abby and her family during and in between treatments, lost income for family members who need to take time away from work, and preparing for the possibility of a bone marrow transplant so that every necessary step in her recovery is covered.
There is another powerful way to help: by joining the NMDP Registry (formerly Be The Match) . Patients like Abby often depend on a life-saving blood stem cell or bone marrow donation from a matching donor. Joining the registry is simple — you can sign up online and receive a free cheek swab kit by mail. One registration could save a life.
Whether you are able to donate, join the registry, share Abby’s story, or leave a message of encouragement, please know how deeply grateful we are. The Orange community has already shown incredible strength and your support will provide a vital safety net for Abby and her family during this fight.
Abby has always shown up for her team. Now, we are showing up for her. Thank you for standing with Abby as she fights her way back to the water, the classroom, and the life she loves.
With gratitude,
The Syracuse Women’s Rowing Team