Coaches vs. Cancer supports, highlights American Cancer Society

The UK Markey Cancer Center is proud to be the game sponsor of this year’s Neon Hoops Showcase Benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer – featuring our beloved Cats taking on the Utah Utes in Las Vegas.

Coaches vs. Cancer is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches, raising money for cancer research and patient programs across the nation, and we’re glad to support the American Cancer Society while also cheering on the Cats. 

“We’re so grateful to our friends at UK HealthCare’s Markey Cancer Center for their partnership with the American Cancer Society in the fight against cancer,” said Erica Kellem Beasley, American Cancer Society executive director for Kentucky. “Their support of Coaches vs. Cancer helps to further raise awareness and funds for this important initiative that impacts so many lives.”

As Kentucky’s only NCI-designated cancer center, Markey is grateful for the local support that the American Cancer Society offers our patients, providers and researchers.

Research and patient support

Through generous support, the American Cancer Society is currently funding over $3.4 million in active research grants at the University of Kentucky, helping Markey researchers find the causes of and better treatments for cancer in order to improve the lives of cancer patients. Additionally, they help to fund a patient navigator at here at Markey, helping patients with the challenges in the treatment journey. 

“The ACS provides invaluable resources to our patients who sometimes have to travel long distances to make it for treatment,” said Dr. Mark Evers, UK Markey Cancer Center’s Director.    

In Kentucky, the American Cancer Society provides a network of 16,334 volunteers who participate in events, serve on boards and planning committees, or give rides to patients through the Road to Recovery Program, which has provided over 8,191 free rides for patients in Kentucky to and from cancer-related treatments. 

Additionally, the American Cancer Society has provided 12,555 nights of free or reduced-cost lodging to Kentucky Cancer patients through the Hope Lodge community, saving patients more than $1.8 million in lodging costs by providing a place for patients and families to stay at no cost when traveling long distances for treatment, and we are grateful to have a Hope Lodge in Lexington.

Tune-in to the game on Wednesday, December 18 on ESPN at 11 pm EST – and Go Cats!