MU basketball announces “Rally for Rhyan” game to benefit pediatric cancer research

Missouri has designated its Feb. 13 men’s basketball game against Tennessee at Mizzou Arena as the “Rally for Rhyan” game. Fans making a cash donation in any amount to pediatric cancer research will receive a free general admission ticket.

The benefit was organized in support of Tigers assistant coach Brad Loos’ 5-year-old daughter, Rhyan, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in October.

“Our family is so incredibly thankful for the support and well wishes Rhyan has received,” Loos said in a release from MU athletics. “Now, there is an amazing opportunity for us to bring about positive change. Pediatric cancer research is underfunded, and we can certainly do something to help. I hope Mizzou fans will take this chance to rally behind Rhyan and this cause and show their support on Feb. 13.”

Rally for Rhyan has been the rallying cry to marshal support for the Loos family, primarily on social media, since Rhyan’s diagnosis. She started her fifth round of chemotherapy Monday.

The Tigers and Volunteers tip off at 2 p.m. The game also serves as the annual Gold Rush Game, so fans are encouraged to wear gold. Missouri also will sell specially designed #RallyForRhyan T-shirts for $15, with all proceeds benefiting pediatric cancer research. T-shirts are available at the Tigers Team Store, located on the north end of Memorial Stadium, as well as online.

Loos has been an assistant on coach Kim Anderson’s staff for 14 seasons, including 12 at Central Missouri and the last two at Mizzou. Loos and his wife, Jen, a former Central Missouri women’s soccer assistant coach, have three children — a son, Brady, Rhyan and the youngest, a daughter named Charli.

General admission tickets will grant access to the upper deck and student section. Lower-level reserved tickets remain on sale through MUTigers.com as well as at the Mizzou Arena box office.

This story was originally published January 29, 2016 at 1:24 PM with the headline "MU basketball announces “Rally for Rhyan” game to benefit pediatric cancer research."