The AEPi Lambda Deuteron Chapter at the University of Miami (UM) performed an amazing act of charity during their three-day Rockathon fundraiser event, April 3 - 5, 2025. Brother Christopher “Chris” Genovese spent more than two days in a homemade rocking chair to raise awareness about blood cancer and the need for stem cell donors.

The event, held on the Edward T. Foote University Green, was the first time the UM AEPi chapter had participated in this philanthropic event. It was timed to run 55 hours in honor of the 55th anniversary of the first Rockathon held at the University of Missouri.

L-R: AEPi Philanthropy Chair Jimmy Koch, "Rocker" Chris Genovese, and AEPi Philanthropy Chair Jordan Katz.

AEPi Philanthropy Chairs Jordan Katz and Jimmy Koch reported that the chapter raised more than $53,000 for Gift of Life, which will be used for the laboratory processing of new donor kits at $60 per kit. After the kits are tested, the donors are added to the registry where transplant centers around the world can search for matches for their blood cancer patients.

“When Jordan and I took on the philanthropy chair roles, we knew we wanted to establish a Rockathon Miami – we were set on it. This chapter had never done one,” said Jimmy. “My mom had lymphoma twice, and thanks to stem cell transplants, she is still with us today. So, when our regional director introduced our national partner, Gift of Life Marrow Registry, as a possible organization to support, we jumped at the opportunity.”

Brother Chris Genovese volunteered to be the “rocker” because his grandfather, Ronald Lenzo, lost his life to blood cancer. The event ran for 55 hours from April 3 until 6:17 p.m. on April 5, reflecting the date when Lenzo passed away, June 17 (6/17). At the appointed time, the “Getting Up Ceremony” was held, and his fraternity brothers lifted Chris out of the chair as everyone cheered him on [pictured above].

AEPi Brother Chris Genovese volunteered to be "The Rocker" in honor of his grandfather, who lost his life to blood cancer. 

“Once I understood the scope of the opportunity, I knew I had to be the rocker,” said Chris. “When presented with the privilege of inspiring and making a profound impact on those around me, I couldn’t pass up on the chance to do something great.”

University President Joe Echevarria visited the Rockathon on Thursday to thank AEPi for their efforts. For over 75 years, the men of Alpha Epsilon Pi at UM have devoted extensive efforts to raising money for local hospitals and charitable organizations and giving back to the community. The impact of the chapter’s fundraising during this year’s event will have both a national and international impact, directly contributing to saving the lives of patients diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma, and more than 75 other diseases.  

Gift of Life’s recruitment table was a hub of activity during the event, with more than 130 new donors joining the registry and many others learning about it for the first time.

Event sponsors Klover Data and FindTape presented a “half-time show” which included the UM Dance Team. Other activities held onsite at various points in the event included a petting zoo, breakfast burritos, a rotation of music bands, yoga classes and more. Additional sponsors included the Genovese Family and VOX Miami.

Gift of Life extends sincere thanks to the AEPi Lambda Deuteron Chapter, to Christopher Genovese for his marathon rocking session, and to all the organizers and sponsors of the Rockathon.