KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Suits And Sneakers Week, the signature annual advocacy and awareness initiative of the American Cancer Society and NABC’s Coaches vs. Cancer program, begins today and runs through February 1. The nationwide campaign will unite coaches across all levels of basketball to advance the American Cancer Society’s vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.
Throughout the week, coaches will showcase visible reminders of their commitment to advancing the fight against cancer by wearing sneakers on the sidelines along with Coaches vs. Cancer patches and lapel pins. Programs participating in Suits And Sneakers Week will also deliver messaging about the life-saving significance of regular cancer screening, along with other impactful visuals such as personal tributes on “I Suit Up For…” signs.
Coaches vs. Cancer was launched in 1993 by former Missouri coach Norm Stewart. In its 30-plus years of operation, Coaches vs. Cancer has raised over $179 million to support the efforts of the American Cancer Society, including screening, research, and patient support programs such as Hope Lodge and Road to Recovery.
“Suits And Sneakers Week and the broader Coaches vs. Cancer program are bigger than basketball,” said NABC Executive Director Craig Robinson. “Cancer impacts us all, and coaches are privileged during this signature week to put our collective passion for impacting the fight against the disease into action.”
“Suits And Sneakers Week is a powerful reminder that progress against cancer happens when people come together with purpose,” said Shane Jacobson, CEO of the American Cancer Society and American Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). “When coaches, athletes, and communities unite around prevention, screening, and support, we move closer to a future where we can end cancer as we know it, for everyone.”
Cancer screening is safe, effective, and should be a regular part of everyone’s life. With one-in-two men and one-in-three women facing a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, regular cancer screening is more important than ever. To learn more about the American Cancer Society, the Coaches vs. Cancer program, and cancer screening options, visit coaches.cancer.org.
