HARRISONBURG, Va., Nov. 4, 2009 - A cancer survivor attending James Madison University, associates of the American Cancer Society, and four area college basketball coaches made presentations during the Shenandoah Valley Coaches Vs. Cancer Tip-Off Breakfast Wednesday.

The event was hosted by Harrisonburg's Ham's restaurant with proceeds going to the American Cancer Society to benefit cancer research and assistance for cancer patients.

Samantha Howell, a JMU senior diagnosed with Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma as a 15-year-old, told the gathering of her struggles with the disease, and the American Cancer Society's Tim Grove and Annika Dean, community managers for the organization, provided information on services the society provides.

The basketball coaches making presentations included Matt Brady (JMU men), Kenny Brooks (JMU women), Don Burgess (Bridgewater men), and Kirby Dean (Eastern Mennonite men).

The Coaches Vs. Cancer program has raised more than $45 million since the early 1990s.  It is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches established to provide critical mission outreach and financial resources in support of the society's lifesaving cancer research, education, advocacy, and community service efforts.

The initiative leverages the personal experiences, community leadership and professional excellence of basketball coaches across the country to increase cancer awareness and promote healthy lifestyle choices through year-round awareness efforts, fundraising activities and advocacy programs.

During the 2009-10 season, the coaches involved in Wednesday's activities also plan to take part in the "Suits and Sneakers Weekend."  "Suits and Sneakers" is a national Coaches Vs. Cancer event designed to raise awareness about the fight against the disease and the American Cancer Society by encouraging member coaches and their staffs to wear sneakers with their suits at games held that weekend to show support for the Coaches Vs. Cancer program.

JMU's men's basketball team will open its season by competing in four games in the 2K Sports Classic Benefitting Coaches Vs. Cancer.  The Dukes will play Nov. 12 at Ohio State and in three games at Florida International University Nov. 20-23.

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