Why we Row

GOATs Row 2027 is more than an endurance challenge. It is a powerful demonstration of teamwork, resilience, and purpose.

Hosted by the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1975 and held at the Annapolis Rowing Club in Edgewater, Maryland, GOATs Row brings together Navy rowers, supporters, and community members for a continuous 24 hour indoor rowing event with the goal of setting multiple Concept2 World Records.

But the true mission goes far beyond the meters.

This effort supports the Emily Whitehead Foundation and its mission to stand beside patients and caregivers affected by cancer and rare diseases while advocating for greater access to advanced therapies. Every stroke helps fuel patient support, strengthen advocacy efforts, elevate family voices, and create hope for more individuals and families facing life changing diagnoses.

GOATs Row 2027 will feature participants from multiple U.S. Naval Academy classes and rowing teams across a variety of age, gender, and mixed divisions. Teams will compete in pursuit of world record performances including continuous rowing and total meters rowed in 24 hours.

The event begins with a welcome gathering and briefing on Thursday evening, February 18, 2027. Rowing officially starts Friday, February 19 at 2:00 PM and continues nonstop through Saturday, February 20 at 2:00 PM, followed by a post row celebration and evening banquet.

Schedule of Events: 

 

Thursday, February 18
6:00 PM Welcome Social and Event Briefing

Friday, February 19
12:00 PM Setup and Team Preparation
2:00 PM GOATs Row Begins

Saturday, February 20
2:00 PM GOATs Row Concludes
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Post Row Celebration
6:00 PM Pull for Navy Banquet

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.