Coaches vs. Cancer

Coaches vs. Cancer is a collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the NABC that empowers coaches and communities to join the fight against cancer.

For nearly 30 years, the Coaches vs. Cancer program, in collaboration with the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), has united coaches and fans nationwide to help the American Cancer Society (ACS) defeat a common enemy—cancer. With passion and dedicated support, the impact has been felt in communities nationwide.

Former Missouri Basketball head coach, Norm Stewart, was the driving force behind Coaches vs. Cancer.

As a coach and cancer survivor, he recognized the platform he had to make a difference in the fight against cancer. He challenged his fans to pledge a dollar amount for every 3-point shot made by his team during the season. In 1993, ACS and NABC adopted that concept and transformed it into a nationwide collaboration, Coaches vs. Cancer. This program unites coaches in the common mission to provide help and hope to all people facing cancer by leveraging personal experiences, community leadership and professional excellence. Coach Norm Stewart once stated, “I had the wonderful experience of having won more than 700 games. I’d trade every one of those wins if we could finish this fight against cancer.”

The impact of Coaches vs. Cancer, fighting against cancer with prevention, detection, treatment and survival, is now part of Cancer Moonshot. In his State of the Union address, President Joe Biden called on the nation to work together to end cancer, working with ACS and its advocacy affiliate, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). Executive director of the NABC Craig Robinson and Coaches vs. Cancer Council Chairman Lon Kruger appreciate this partnership.

Since 1993, coaches nationwide have raised over $140 million for ACS. The program continues to increase cancer awareness and promote healthy living through year-round awareness efforts, fundraising activities, and advocacy programs.

One fundraising event approaching is the Las Vegas Golf Classic, set for May 15-17. Celebrating its 15th year and founded by Coaches vs. Cancer Council chairman Lon Kruger, the Classic and its noteworthy roster of coaches involved, continue to make a difference in the fight against cancer. With recent support from Sanford Health and other key corporate partners, including MGM Resorts and Nike to name a few, the Las Vegas Golf Classic has raised nearly $12 million since its inception. For more information on the Classic, visit acsvegas.ejoinme.org/ LVGolfClassicNV or contact Samantha Molinero at samantha.molinero@cancer.org

Everyone can step up and lead. Join high school and college basketball coaches nationwide in the fight against cancer by supporting efforts nationally and in local communities. Learn more about the Coaches vs. Cancer program and other events across the nation at cancer.org/coachesvscancer. Stay up to date on nationwide activations and updates by following the program at @coachesvscancer on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

To support the Coaches vs. Cancer Las Vegas Golf Classic and the fight against cancer, please scan the QR Code: