MACOMB, Ill. - Organized by the Western Illinois University volleyball program, Rally for Shaymus Week saw a large turnout from the local community and was a huge success. The event was held at various athletic events during the week of October 10-16 and created overwhelming support for Shaymus Guinn, the son of Western Illinois head women's soccer coach Tony Guinn.

Rally for Shaymus Week was held for the first time as a way to raise funds for 10-year-old Shaymus, who recently entered the hospital to begin his second fight against cancer. The event raised over $1,500 that will directly benefit the Guinn family to help offset expenses.

Brooke Stittleburg (volleyball), Kelsey Michelini (softball), Seth Brannan (men's golf) and Sloane Levin (women's soccer) are just a few of the countless number of Western Illinois student-athletes who helped run the event. To raise funds, the athletes sold "Shaymus" emblems, "Stay Strong Shaymus" bracelets and tickets for a pumpkin raffle. The athletic department also received donations from private citizens and local businesses.

Supporters colored the white "Shaymus" emblem, which is a symbol of Shaymus' strength and courage. All the colored and personalized emblems were sent to the Guinn family.

Stittleburg, the event's organizer, recorded supporters sending well wishes to Shaymus and a video compilation of the messages was also sent to the Guinn family.