Coaches vs. Cancer is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) that empowers basketball coaches, their teams, and local communities to make a difference in the fight against cancer. The program leverages the personal experiences, community leadership, and professional excellence of basketball coaches nationwide to increase cancer awareness and promote healthy living through year-round awareness efforts, fundraising activities, and advocacy programs.
Coaches vs. Cancer evolved from a concept championed by Norm Stewart, former head coach of the University of Missouri's men's basketball program, cancer survivor, and member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches. He started the program by challenging fans to pledge a dollar amount for every three points made by his team during the season.
The American Cancer Society and the NABC adopted that concept in 1993 and transformed it into a nationwide effort to unite coaches across the country in the common mission to provide help and hope to all people facing cancer. Today, more than 2,000 Division I, II, and III college coaches are involved in the program. Coaches vs. Cancer has raised nearly $50 million since its inception to support the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving mission to eliminate cancer as a life-threatening disease. Additionally, more than 100 high school coaches also participate in the program.
In 1998, the Coaches vs. Cancer Council was formed—a distinguished group of NABC member basketball coaches, American Cancer Society volunteers, and business leaders from across the country - to explore new and innovative ways to raise funds, recruit prominent coaches, enhance the program, and help win the fight against cancer.
Because cancer has touched so many of our nation's basketball coaches, Coaches vs. Cancer offers them the unique opportunity to fight the disease. Through integrated fundraising activities and public awareness campaigns, participating coaches are truly making a difference in the fight against cancer and are raising awareness in their communities about the importance of cancer prevention, early detection, and making healthy lifestyle choices.
Coaches vs. Cancer Mission Statement
Coaches vs. Cancer is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. The initiative leverages the personal experiences, community leadership, and professional excellence of basketball coaches nationwide to increase cancer awareness and promote healthy living through year-round awareness efforts, fundraising activities, and advocacy programs. Coaches vs. Cancer provides critical mission outreach, while raising funds in support of the Society's lifesaving cancer research, education, advocacy, and community service efforts.
National Association of Basketball Coaches
Since its inception in 1927, the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), located in Kansas City, Missouri, has continually worked to further the best interests of the game of basketball, as well as the players and coaches who participate in the sport. In doing so, the NABC has established the following goals and objectives to pursue its mission:
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To promote the ideals of integrity, sportsmanship, and teamwork among men's basketball coaches and the players whom they coach
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To unify coaches on issues pertaining to basketball at all levels
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To provide member services which address the needs of the coach professionally, emotionally, financially, physically, and spiritually
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To encourage basketball coaches to serve as community outreach agents who elevate moral, ethical, and educational values;
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To enlighten the general public, media, institutional educators, and athletic administrators to the fact that coaches are good for the sport and the young people whom they serve
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To work with the legislative arm of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) on issues that affect basketball and intercollegiate athletics, in particular, identifying issues that not only benefit the student-athlete but also the ability of the coaching staff to work effectively and beneficially within the institution