[285] Jan. 23 ‘Coaches vs. Cancer’ game at MTSU to raise funds to fight disease

MURFREESBORO — Middle Tennessee State University’s Jan. 23 men’s basketball game against the visiting Rice Owls will support the American Cancer Society as part of the Coaches vs. Cancer program.

The 5 p.m. game will help raise awareness of the fight against cancer and demonstrate support for the Society and its mission to eliminate cancer as a major health problem.

Funds raised at the Jan. 23 game will go toward the total raised this year by the Relay For Life of Middle Tennessee State University. For more information or to donate, visit relayforlife.org/mtsu. For tickets, visit goblueraiders.com or call 615-898-2103 locally or dial toll free 1-888-YES-MTSU.

Fans are encouraged to wear purple in honor of those fighting cancer and in memory of loved ones lost to the disease. MTSU alum and cancer survivor, Wesley Taylor of Murfreesboro, will lead the honorary tip-off. Follow the event on Twitter at #mtsucoachesvcancer.

Students from the Relay organizing committee will join MTSU cheerleaders to “storm the stands” at halftime for a one-minute fund raising challenge. Paper “sneaker cut outs” will also be available to purchase for a donation.

“Fighting cancer is a team effort and no one should have to face this disease alone,” said Kermit Davis, coach of the Blue Raiders men’s basketball team. “Cancer has touched so many of our nation's basketball coaches, just like it may have touched you, your family or friends. I hope all fans will join me on Jan. 23 to support the work of the American Cancer Society.”

Coaches vs. Cancer is a nationwide collaborative between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. The initiative aims to increase cancer awareness, highlights the importance of nutrition and physical activity in reducing a person’s cancer risk, and promotes the Society’s free programs and services available to those facing cancer.

Advances in prevention, early detection, and treatment have contributed to an over 20 percent drop in cancer mortality rate in the past two decades, leading to the avoidance of more than 1.5 million cancer deaths that would have occurred had previous rates persisted. 

MTSU will hold its annual Relay For Life celebration to benefit the American Cancer Society from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. on April 8. Cancer information and support is available 24 hours a day by calling the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345.