The Coaches vs. Cancer (CvC) program is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). Since 1993, this initiative has leveraged the personal experiences, community leadership, and professional excellence of coaches nationwide to increase cancer awareness and promote healthy living through year-round awareness efforts, fundraising activities, and advocacy programs.
Every cancer. Every life.
In 2017, we surprised Coach Dave Loos of Austin Peay State University with the inaugural award in his honor for his countless years of CVC/ACS support in TN during his incredible career and tenure. The Loos Award is awarded to an individual with the same mentality, drive, and passion for the American Cancer Society’s mission as Coach Loos. Each year we nominate an individual whose life has personally been impacted by cancer and is willing to use their story and life experiences in the fight against cancer on and off the court.
2017: Coach Dave Loos,
Austin Peay
2018: Karim Sameh Azab,
University of Memphis Forward
2019: Sean Farnham,
UCLA Alumni & ESPN
2021: Philip Fulmer,
Legendary UT Football Coach
2022: Tasha Butts,
UT Lady Vol Alumni & Georgetown HC
2024: Nikki McCray-Penson,
UT Lady Vol Alumni, 3-Time WNBA All-Star, 2-Time Olympic Gold Medalist, 2012 Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee
An Event Honoree is prominent within the community, has some connection to cancer and can speak to the importance of the American Cancer Society’s work. They also add stature and prestige to the event and provide significant opportunities to leverage their key contacts and relationships. We have raised over $5 Billion for cancer research, which has helped over 16 million people survive and beat cancer.
2021: Damon Hininger,
CEO, CoreCivic
2022: Dr. Phil Wenk,
(Retired) CEO, Delta Dental
2023: Wilson Family
2024: Becky Bonds,
Lung Nurse Navigator, Saint Thomas Health
