Coaches vs. Cancer is a collaboration of the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball coaches. The initiative is designed to leverage the celebrity and passion of our nation’s basketball coaches to help battle cancer. In Philadelphia, Coaches vs. Cancer has a unique edge, with all six coaches uniting their time and effort to raise funds and awareness to beat this disease:
| Fran Dunphy | Temple University | Jay Wright | Villanova University |
| Phil Martelli | Saint Joseph’s University | John Giannini | La Salle University |
| Jerome Allen | University of Pennsylvania | Bruiser Flint | Drexel University |
Throughout the year, Philadelphia Coaches vs. Cancer hosts various fundraising events to fund the lifesaving work of the American Cancer Society. These programs include the March Madness Tip-Off Breakfast, the School Initiative, the BasketBall (black-tie gala), BeachBall and the Jim Maloney Golf Classic.
Coaches vs. Cancer of Philadelphia is part of the National Coaches vs. Cancer program created in 1993 by the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). The program exists to leverage the strength, community leadership and celebrity of our country’s basketball coaches to fight cancer. Since its inception, the Coaches vs. Cancer program has raised more than $30 million nationwide to benefit the American Cancer Society’s research, advocacy, education, and patient services programs.
Since 1996, the Philadelphia Coaches vs. Cancer program has raised more than $6.4 million to help battle cancer. Last year alone, the program brought in over $1 million from their ongoing efforts in the Philadelphia Region. The coaches have set an ambitious goal of raising at least $1 million each year and are confident that with the help of the local community, their goal to eradicate this disease will one day be accomplished.
To further demonstrate their commitment to the cause, the Philadelphia Coaches announced in Spring 2007 that they plan 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 Spring 2009, the Astra Zeneca Hope Lodge site is located just minutes away Fox Chase Cancer. The 30,000-square-foot facility provides free temporary lodging for an average of 1,300 cancer patients and their caregivers annually who travel to Philadelphia for outpatient treatment. The new Hope Lodge features 37 private guest rooms along with a communal kitchen, dining room, laundry facilities and living room. In addition, Hope Lodge provides transportation from area treatment centers.
To learn how to get involved with the Philadelphia Coaches vs. Cancer program, contact:
Coaches vs. Cancer
215.985.5401
pa.phillycoaches@cancer.org
For cancer information or support, you can contact the American Cancer Society 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1.800.ACS.2345 or www.cancer.org.
