A Day of Play, A Lifetime of Gratitude: Climb for Cancer Gives Families a Break from the Battle
Sunday, September 21, 2025 | Gymnastics
The little girl with the bright blue lips and even brighter spirit tugged eagerly at her mother's sleeve, hoping for just one more spoonful of her snow cone. With matching bows perched atop each ponytail, she looked like any other child racing out of Florida's indoor practice facility after a fun-filled morning.
But for Caitlin Benson of Gainesville, Fla., every one of these ordinary moments is extraordinary.
Her daughter, Paityn, was just four months old when doctors diagnosed her with neuroblastoma in July 2020. There were days Caitlin wasn't sure her baby girl would ever walk—let alone run, laugh and chase bubbles across a football field.
This November, Paityn will officially be in remission. And on Sunday, she was simply another kid, playing soccer, football, duck-duck-goose, and giggling with Gator student-athletes during the 20th annual Climb for Cancer event.
"As a parent, I truly appreciate this," Caitlin said. "This is a huge opportunity, not just for our kids to feel normal—but for us as families, too. We've been through trials and tribulations. I didn't think my daughter would make it to five years old. I appreciate this more than anyone realizes."
More than 20 children and their families joined roughly 60 University of Florida student-athletes inside the Indoor Practice Facility for a morning designed to replace hospital visits with high-fives and healing laughter. Hosted by the Climb for Cancer Foundation, the event gives children fighting or recovering from cancer—and their siblings—a chance to simply be kids for a day.
For UF All-American gymnast Danie Ferris, the joy was mutual.
"It was honestly super heartwarming," Ferris said. "Some of the kids were so shy at first, but we got to talk, play games, and by the end, they really opened up. Whether they know who we are or not, they just want to have fun. It's so meaningful to be a part of that."
The event is a highlight event for Climb for Cancer co-founders Rob and Dianne Farb, who launched the nonprofit two decades ago with a simple mission: provide support to cancer patients and their families.
"We started this many years ago, and it's our favorite day of the year," Rob Farb said. "It gives these kids a chance to forget about cancer and just play. And the siblings, who are often the forgotten victims, get to be part of it too."
Over the years, the Farbs have received countless messages of gratitude. One parent told them, "This is the first time I've seen my child smile in two years."
"You can't put a price on that," Rob said. "It says everything. These families are so thankful, and to see the kids just being kids—there's nothing better."
Players Mentioned
