SPIRE Summer 2019

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He had the ability to play hard but still treat players of all skill levels as worthy opponents.” In 2005, cancer once again struck close to home for Vaughn. This time it was right across the street. Vaughn’s neighbor was diagnosed with terminal cancer. She lost her fight after only two short years. During this time, Vaughn always made time to visit with her and her family every day, even if it was just to sit and watch Survivor with them on television. Seeing firsthand how awful this disease is spurred Vaughn to want to do more to fight back against cancer. Two years later, Vaughn began participating in an annual St. Baldrick’s Foundation fundraiser getting his

Vaughn Hastings worked with the city council in Raleigh, North Carolina to have the Raleigh Jaycee Park dedicated to his friend and mentor, E. Russell “Rusty” Lurwick.

head shaved with kids fighting childhood cancer, and raising money to benefit childhood cancer research. He has raised more than $45,000 over the past thirteen years and raised $5,630 just this year. To add to the fun, Vaughn has dyed his hair an assortment of colors including green, pink, and blue as it grows out before shaving it off for the fundraising event. Each year Vaughn challenges himself to raise over $2,000 for St. Baldrick’s during the fundraiser. “There will be another St. Baldrick’s effort next February or March and I’ll be looking for support on my Facebook page,” said Hastings.

blood donation event at work and noticed a note posted about platelet donations being more useful for cancer patients and burn victims. He also learned platelet donations can be made 24 times per year – which is much more frequently than regular blood donations. Vaughn donates platelets every two weeks to help cancer patients in their battle. He is up to 62 gallons and counting. In 2016, Vaughn lost his mother, Jane, to aggressive ovarian cancer. He continues to look for meaningful ways to help fight against cancer to continue his mother’s legacy of generosity and giving back.

Vaughn Hastings with his mother, Jane, who lost her battle to cancer in 2016.

In 2008, Vaughn missed a regular

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