Melissa Davies' Story (Allison Davies' Mother)
Daniel Gray's Story (Jayme Jacinto's Brother)

LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - In conjunction with a pair of home matches, the UNLV volleyball program has deemed both of these evenings as cancer awareness nights. The contest on Oct. 9 vs. Air Force is billed as "Victory for Victoria Night" in recognition of a local 15-year-old girl who has been diagnosed with cancer. Two days later, the Oct. 11 affair vs. New Mexico has been named "Block Out Cancer Night" in support of those close to the Rebels who have been affected by the disease.

Victoria Godkin, a former Dig This! VBC player, was diagnosed with Sacral Chondroblastic Osteosarcoma (bone/cartilage cancer) in February 2014. After seeking medical help for what was believed to be a pulled muscle from playing volleyball, Victoria's pain worsened and it soon became unbearable. In April, she received the heartbreaking news following an MRI procedure.

In the last several months, Victoria has undergone numerous chemotherapy treatments in New York and Las Vegas. She may be heading to Boston to be a part of a new molecular targeted therapy, which is showing great success in cancer treatment.

Victoria will be presented with an honorary ball and serve as a guest coach during the contest. The Rebels will don pink attire for the affair with specially made "Victory for Victoria" shirts worn in pregame activities before changing into match jerseys.

Fans will have the opportunity to win the "Victory for Victoria" T-shirts by making a donation on the concourse with all monies going toward the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation in Victoria's name. The winners will collect their shirts from the individual players after the conclusion of the match.

The volleyball program will also be selling its camp shirts before and during the match with a portion of the proceeds donated directly towards Victoria's medical and travel expenses.

One of Victoria's favorite musical groups, Thre3 Cards, will perform the National Anthem as well as "God Bless America" during the intermission after the second set in support of Military Appreciation Night.

On Oct. 11, the program will continue its recognition of not only Breast Cancer Awareness month, but many forms of cancer, as we honor our friends and family who have had or are continuing their battles with the disease. We invite the community to join us for our match against New Mexico to "Block Out Cancer."

The team has started honoring friends and family daily with recognition on its Facebook page (facebook.com/UNLVRebelVolleyball). Fans are encouraged to add names of those close to them who we all want to see cured.