Hosted by retired Old Dominion University men’s basketball coach and recipient of the 2026 American Cancer Society National Volunteer Leadership Award, Jeff Jones, the inaugural Coaches vs. Cancer Legends Gala was an unforgettable evening celebrating the power of basketball to change lives.
In its first year, the event raised more than $414,710 — making it the largest first-year Coaches vs. Cancer event to date. Legendary coaches including Roy Williams, Jim Boeheim, Tubby Smith, Gary Williams, Phil Martelli, and Nancy Lieberman joined supporters for a night of inspiration, generosity, and hope benefiting cancer research and patient services.
One of the most meaningful moments came during the paddle raise honoring Oliver Boyd, where more than $150,000 was raised specifically for pediatric cancer research. Thanks to the incredible support of our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and guests, the gala made a lasting impact on patients and families facing cancer. We are excited to build on this momentum and continue making a difference together in the fight against cancer.
We hope you will join our team at this year’s event for an evening complete with a cocktail hour, dinner, open bar, live auction and sports legends!
As the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, discovery, and patient support, the American Cancer Society has made significant contributions to the fight against cancer over the last 110 years. We advocate for lifesaving policy changes, promote healthy lifestyles to help prevent cancer, and provide information, answers, and support to people in every community who have been touched by cancer. We also research cancer and its causes to find more answers and better treatment.
Yet, there is still work to be done – which is why we are so glad you have joined us tonight! The American Cancer Society continues to work tirelessly to fund research and provide support for all types of cancer. And thanks to your generous support, we work to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.
Every cancer. Every life.
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For more than 10 decades, the American Cancer Society has been dedicated to pursuing better outcomes for every cancer, every life. Today, more people are surviving cancer than ever before, but there is still work to be done. Join us, support us, and help us end cancer as we know it, for everyone.
towards cancer research
winning scientists received research funding
through all patient support initiatives in 2024
