The idea of injecting community support of basketball teams into the fight against cancer originated with Norm Stewart, cancer survivor and former head coach at the University of Missouri. Coach Stewart encouraged Tiger fans to pledge a dollar amount for every three points his team scored during the season, and with that idea, pitting coaches against cancer took hold.
Today, the Coaches vs. Cancer includes more than 500 National Association of Basketball Coaches ( NABC ) and 100 high school coaches who work throughout the year to raise funds and increase awareness about the American Cancer Society's efforts to fight this disease. In addition, The Coaches promote healthy living to reduce cancer risks through year round educational efforts; the program has raised over $ 40 million since 1993 to support the American Cancer Society's lifesaving mission.
In Philadelphia, Coaches vs. Cancer has a unique edge with all six NCAA Division One basketball coaches uniting their passion and energy to help beat cancer. Coaches Fran Dunphy ( Temple University ), Phil Martelli ( St. Joseph's University ), Jay Wright ( Villanova University ), Zack Striker ( Drexel University ), John Giannini ( La Salle University ), and Steve Donahue ( University of Pennsylvania ) may be opponents on the court, but off the court they have joined forces as a united front against cancer!
To further demonstrate their commitment, the Philadelphia coaches announced in Spring 2007 that they planned to donate $1 million of their proceeds over the next five years towards the new AstraZeneca Hope Lodge of the American Cancer Society in Philadelphia, a place for cancer patients and their families to stay during treatment. Opened in May 2009, the 30,000 square foot facility will provide free temporary lodging for an average of 1300 patients and their caregivers annually who travel to Philadelphia for outpatient treatment. The New Hope Lodge will feature 37 private guest rooms along with a communal kitchen, dining room, laundry facilities and living room. In addition, Hope Lodge will provide transportation to and from area treatment centers.
To learn how to get involved with the Philadelphia Coaches vs. Cancer program, call 215-985-5401 or visit www.phillycoachesvscancer.org .
Founded by the American Cancer Society and the National Assciation of Basketball Coaches.