LIMERICK — Last weekend, the campus of St. Teresa of Calcutta was draped in yellow in memory of former student Rylee Monahan.
A 2023 graduate of St. Teresa of Calcutta, Rylee battled three primary cancers for almost five years before she passed in January 2024. Rylee’s cancers were all driven by her Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS), a rare inherited genetic disorder that greatly increases the risk of developing several types of cancer.
Despite all of this, Rylee remained positive, kind, and generous. She was an inspiration to hundreds and her loss was felt by the entire St. Teresa of Calcutta community.
To honor her memory, St. Teresa of Calcutta’s CYO program hosted an inaugural “Rally for Rylee” volleyball tournament on Sunday, Oct. 6. All five St. Teresa of Calcutta volleyball teams hosted matches throughout the day. Players, coaches, parents, and supporters (from St. Teresa of Calcutta and visiting teams) wore yellow to raise awareness of childhood cancer and to represent Rylee’s Legacy Foundation, which supports families with Li-Fraumeni Syndrome, cancer research, and scholarships.
St. Teresa of Calcutta Education Center also hosted a special dress-down day fundraiser on Friday, Oct. 4, during which all students were encouraged to wear yellow.
Sunday’s event, also included a basket raffle, 50/50, bake sale, T-shirt sales, concessions, and more with all proceeds benefiting Rylee’s Legacy Foundation. An estimated $10,000 has been raised for the cause.
During a special presentation on Sunday, Father Paul Brandt remarked that the incredible turnout was a testament to the love and impact left by Rylee and felt by the St. Teresa of Calcutta community.
Laura Lucci, a close friend of the Monahan family, delivered a moving speech and summed it up best: “Her courage, her kindness, and her relentless spirit will live on in each of us who had the privilege of knowing her. She taught us that life is not about the number of days we have, but about how we will those days — with love, laughter, and purpose.”
Rylee’s spirit was felt throughout the day on Sunday. A community rallied together to make a difference in the lives of children and families affected by childhood cancer, inspiring us all to “live like Rylee.”
