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'Big 4' basketball coaches partner with American Cancer Society to support life-saving work against cancer

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Tue, Sep 17th 2019 07:00 am

Cancer survivors, caregivers, volunteers and community members will unite for the American Cancer Society’s “Coaches vs. Cancer tip-off happy hour” in an effort to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer. The event will take place from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, at Hotel at The Lafayette, 391 Washington St., Buffalo.

“Coaches vs. Cancer gives sports fans the chance to back their team and to attack cancer,” said JoAnna Jacob, executive director for the American Cancer Society’s upstate New York area. “Sports fans are passionate and, through initiatives like this, we are channeling that drive into fun, yet meaningful ways to help end the pain and suffering of cancer. We are excited to work with the local schools and local coaches, because it makes a real difference every day in the lives of our neighbors, and people everywhere, touched by cancer.”

Currently scheduled to appear are Jim Whitesell, head coach of men’s basketball, University at Buffalo; Felisha Legette-Jack, head coach of women’s basketball, UB; Mark Schmidt, head coach of men’s basketball at St. Bonaventure University; Jesse Fleming, women’s basketball head coach, St. Bonaventure; Greg Paulus, men’s basketball assistant coach, Niagara University; Jada Pierce, head coach, women’s basketball, Niagara University; Reggie Witherspoon, head coach of men’s basketball, Canisius College; and Scott Hemer, head coach of women’s basketball, Canisius College.

Organizers also will honor former St. Bonaventure coach and student-sthlete Jim Satalin.

Tickets are on sale for this event at www.cvcbuffalo.org.

Coaches vs. Cancer is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. This initiative leverages the personal experiences, community leadership, and professional excellence of coaches nationwide to increase cancer awareness and promote healthy living through year-round awareness efforts, fundraising activities, and advocacy programs.

The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of nearly 2 million volunteers dedicated to saving lives, celebrating lives, and leading the fight for a world without cancer. “From breakthrough research, to free lodging near treatment, a 24/7/365 live helpline, free rides to treatment, and convening powerful activists to create awareness and impact, the Society is the only organization attacking cancer from every angle.”

For more information, go to www.cancer.org.  

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