Team #FREEDAVE

  MMAC Committee’s note: As we mark the 10th anniversary of the Marianas March Against Cancer, the 2012 MMAC committee would like to honor and recognize the efforts of our teams for their untiring support in the fight against cancer.

For Team #FREEDAVE, their debut at the 2012 Marianas March Against Cancer is particularly significant for its team captain, Rob Travilla.

Travilla, who has been involved with MMAC for the last three years but has yet to form a team, decided to do so this year to recognize the battle that his friend and brother, David Ayuyu, known as “Kid Slick” of the local group Fatal Hitz, is going through.

“The fight that my brother David is facing definitely inspired and pushed me to get it going,” said Travilla of Ayuyu, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer last year and is presently undergoing chemotherapy off-island.

Travilla’s Salbahe’ Company and Fatal Hitz Entertainment, along with family and friends of Ayuyu, formed a team dedicated to Ayuyu and dubbed Team #FREEDAVE.

Travilla recounted how the team was originally established on the social network site Twitter, generating followers who have helped provide moral support to Ayuyu.

Their MMAC plans, Travilla said, is to raise awareness about testicular cancer. According to Travilla, some 7,500 to 8,000 males in the United States, usually between 15 to 39 years, are diagnosed with testicular cancer every year.

“Since the establishment of our team, we have been constantly spreading the word to “fight with us” and “get with us” on all our social network sites,” said Travilla.

He said that the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation, an internationally known non-profit organization aimed at fighting the disease, has already begun following the #FREEDAVE MOVEMENT, which is working with TCAF to provide them with brochures, handouts, and giveaways for their MMAC tent.

Travilla, whose co-captain is Barney Travilla, said they also plan to feature #FREEDAVE-themed and street-inspired artwork in Salbahe’ Brand and Tha Trapp shirts, which will be available in their Gualo Rai store or during the MMAC. All proceeds will be donated to MMAC.

Travilla commended the veteran MMAC teams because of their commitment and dedication in the fight against this deadly disease.

“Don’t forget why you’re doing it and don’t forget what you’re fighting for,” he added.

All proceeds raised at the MMAC will be spent entirely in the CNMI through cancer awareness programs, patient assistance, and other cancer-related activities.

For more information, contact 285-1828, email attaoc@yahoo.com or visit www.ccamarianas.org.