Why we Row

GOATs Row 2026 is a powerful endurance challenge sponsored by the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1975 for a 24-hour indoor rowing effort in Maryland. The team is working toward establishing two Concept2 World Records, including most meters rowed in 24 hours and continuous row. This effort is fueled by purpose and the belief that we can move the needle for patients and families facing cancer and rare diseases

As part of this effort, we are proud to fundraise for the Emily Whitehead Foundation, supporting its mission to stand beside patients and caregivers affected by cancer and rare diseases and advocate for access to advanced therapies. Your gift helps strengthen family support, elevate patient voices, and expand access so more people can survive and thrive.

Details:

From the opening welcome briefing on Thursday, February 19, 2026, to the final strokes on Saturday afternoon, GOATs Row 2026 will be a weekend defined by teamwork, grit, and community. The roster of rowers includes U.S. Naval Academy graduates from four classes, coming together in support of this shared mission. The rowing begins on Friday, February 20, 2026 at 2:00 PM and concludes on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 2:00 PM, followed by a post row celebration and the Pull for Navy banquet later that evening.

Join us in supporting the Emily Whitehead Foundation by making a gift or becoming a fundraiser for Goats Row!

Your effort is helping us support patients and caregivers affected by childhood diseases and advocate for all patients who can be treated with advanced therapies.

About the Emily Whitehead Foundation

In 2012, Emily Whitehead, at just five years old, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. After relapsing twice and running out of conventional treatment options, Emily became the first pediatric patient to receive CAR T-cell therapy, a groundbreaking treatment that uses the patient’s own immune cells to fight cancer. Against the odds, Emily survived—and today, she is cancer-free, thriving, and living proof that advanced therapies can change lives.

The Emily Whitehead Foundation was created by Emily and her family to increase awareness and access to these life-saving therapies, so other children can have the same opportunity for a cure. The foundation’s mission is to support patients and families, raise awareness of cutting-edge treatments, and advocate for wider access to these therapies across the globe.

The Emily Whitehead Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization.
Tax ID: 47-2277599
Donations are tax deductible in the United States.

Donation Details

All funds raised will go directly to the Emily Whitehead Foundation. Join us in making a difference. Donate today and help us turn stories like Emily’s into reality for more children around the world.

For more information you can visit the Emily Whitehead Foundation's website.