Coaches vs. Cancer is an event that has been going on for over 20 years and was a success on Wednesday night during the men and women’s basketball games at Pasadena City College.
The event started four years ago in partnership with the American Cancer Society and National Association of Basketball Coaches to bring cancer awareness to the college community. All of the proceeds from the doubleheader, including ticket and merchandise sales, were donated to the ACS on behalf of the college.
Men’s basketball coach Michael Swanegan said the event was a success.
“I think our Athletic Director did a great job in promoting this and it’s something that we need to do,” Swanegan said. “We need to show our support for people with the disease.”
Silvano Gonzalez is a cancer survivor who spoke at the event and told his story.
“This is the best way to increase awareness and bring cancer to everyone’s attention,” Gonzalez said.
Last year, Angeline Jefferson, 21, who attended Pasadena City College and played on the women’s basketball team, lost the fight to cancer.
Women’s basketball coach Joe Peron said he loves that the entire state of California is doing this event and spoke about how mature and delightful Jefferson was while she played on the team.
“[Jefferson] was always a good sight to see [in the locker room],” Peron said. “She wanted to be uplifting as much as she could during the last months of the season. She was just an inspiration to us.”
The PCC Dance team provided some entertainment during halftime of each of the games that included members and non-members of the dance program.
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