 "Photo: Molly Johnston photo")
Demonstrating a united front against cancer, Gonzaga painted the campus white Wednesday to raise awareness and funds for Coaches versus Cancer. Men’s basketball head coach Mark Few, students, and Spokane residents alike purchased T-shirts and attended the Coaches versus Cancer men’s basketball game against Portland this week.
“Being so affected by cancer I have found a positive outlet in working with Coaches versus Cancer,” said Gonzaga alumna Sarah Michaelson. “Being a Gonzaga graduate made me confident that the community on campus would support this project,” Michaelson said, as she pioneered the “BELiEVE” T-shirt project in conjunction with Coaches versus Cancer.
The powerful message of the T-shirts are reaching unknown masses as the white shirts have been sold on the steps of Crosby, around Spokane at Kimmel, U District Physical Therapy Institute of Sports Performance, at the McCarthey Athletic Center, and online at www.cvctee.com, where sales have reached across the nation.
“Cancer is a disease that everyone has been affected by in some way,” said Brian Michaelson, Michaelson’s husband, former Gonzaga basketball guard, and now assistant coach. The Kennel Board has quickly rallied behind the Michaelsons and the “BELiEVE” campaign by selling the shirts for $10 for the past two weeks.
“Coaches versus Cancer is a great cause to give our time and appreciation for coach Few and his involvement with the organization,” senior Kennel Board member Allie Smith said.
Before the Coaches versus Cancer game, students wore the T-shirts throughout the day showing their support for the Michaelsons and coach Few’s work with the program.
Thursday the student section painted the Kennel red, but the coaching staff for both Gonzaga and Portland sported polos with the Coaches versus Cancer logo to show the programs’ support for the organization.
As a testament to the basketball community’s involvement with the organization, Spokane Mayor Mary Verner declared Feb. 4 Coaches versus Cancer Day in Spokane. Coaches versus Cancer is a national organization that is supported by the National Association of Basketball Coaches, which raises funds through college basketball programs across the country for the American Cancer Society.
“Coach Few and his wife Marcy have raised a lot of money in the Spokane chapter, Gonzaga is among one of the top programs to donate to the organization and it speaks to Few’s dedication, the coaching staff, team and school who has all helped to get behind the fight against cancer,” Brian Michaelson said.
Since 2002, the Fews have raised more than $4 million for the Spokane chapter of Coaches versus Cancer. The donations benefit the American Cancer Society’s mission of lifesaving cancer research, education, advocacy and community service.
Off the court, the players visit Camp Goodtimes sponsored by the American Cancer Society for children who are being treated for Cancer.
“Working and hanging out with the kids at the camp really puts things into perspective,” freshman guard Grant Gibbs said.
“Coaches versus Cancer organization gives Camp Goodtime enough funds for the campers to attend the getaway for no cost,” Kari Allen of the American Cancer Society said. Not only does this organization reach out to those in the community but provides support and inspiration to find a cure for the disease.
Coaches versus Cancer remains an active organization in the Spokane community year-round. The ninth annual golf tournament will be held August 27 - 28 at Circling Raven golf course and the Basketball Gala at the Davenport hotel. All funds from the events benefit Coaches versus Cancer and the fight against cancer.
Students can also continue to support the American Cancer Society by participating in the Relay for Life, March 26-27.
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