Team Andy

One of the wonderful things about RWU Law School is the sense of community you feel when you walk through the doors.  But, it is not just a feeling, it is a reality.  Students at our school are so welcoming and helpful; I cannot tell you how many times as a First year I turned to 2 and 3L’s for help, and they offered it to me with open arms.  I think that feeling of being in it together and wanting everyone to succeed is what sets RWU School of Law apart from every other law school; we are a competitive bunch, but deep inside, we all want the best for our classmates.

When Andy Marsh, a 1L finishing his first year, was diagnosed with Stage Four Melonoma during finals last May, a group of RWU Law Students banded together to help and started the Andy Marsh Victory Fund.  The goal of the fund was to raise money and support for Andy’s struggle and make things a little bit easier on him and his family. 

But it was not just about raising money; although the money helps pay the ever expensive medical bills, the care and kindness behind those donations are what makes all the difference.  Close friends of Andy began selling t-shirts with the Team Andy logo and started organizing events to help Andy.  Their first event was a huge success.  Team Andy hosted a live and silent auction to support the AMVF on Friday, September 21 and the response was wonderful.  Students from all three levels attended the event, as did faculty and staff.  Now, Andy is not left to fight cancer alone.  With a very supportive family and close group of friends by his side, as well as a law school 600 strong, everyone is standing behind him. 

No one in our law school wants anyone to lose, to fail, to fall behind.  Inside the classroom or out, we are many individuals with different goals and values, but differences aside, we form one strong and determined family.  Team Andy is just one example of how we, as students and as friends, can come together and help make a difference. 

I’d like to share with you all a letter of thanks sent to the school by Meghan McDonough, one of the organizers of the Team Andy event. 

Dear Friends of Roger Williams School of Law,

On behalf of the members of the Andy Marsh Victory Fund, I would like to
extend my sincere gratitude to all who donated to our cause.  It was an
amazing experience to observe faculty and staff, students and strangers
join “Team Andy” and support our dear friend and classmate in his battle
against the C.

Whether you donated money, attended the event, or offered words of
encouragement, you contributed to the AMVF.  Through persistent T-shirt
sales, event tickets sale, the auction and raffle, and many donations…
we, the Andy-raisers, were able to raise $11,000 for our friend.  This
exceeded any of our expectations and we are eternally grateful to all of
you.

This generous donation will relieve only some of his medical bills and
traveling expenses.  While it is an amazing gesture on behalf of the law
school, I believe that he is far more blessed in knowing that the Roger
Williams Chapter of “Team Andy” consists of many supportive and
kindhearted individuals.  I am confident that our community will
continue to show its support for Andy in his fight and I am confident
that it is a fight he will win.

If you would like to donate to the Andy Marsh Victory Fund, please
contact me at mmcdonough159@barrister.rwu.edu . 

Most sincerely,
Meg McDonough

A link to Andy Marsh’s Webpage: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmarsh