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.
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
Dan Crockett is a distinguished entrepreneur and philanthropist based in Nashville, Tennessee. As the founder and former CEO of Franklin American Mortgage Company, he transformed a small five-person operation into a nationally recognized mortgage banking institution. Under his leadership, the company expanded its reach and services, establishing a strong presence in the industry.
Beyond his business acumen, Dan is a passionate golfer with a remarkable competitive spirit. He has secured multiple victories in prestigious tournaments, including the Tennessee Senior Match Play Championship in 2023. His dedication to the sport reflects his commitment to excellence and perseverance.
Dan’s personal journey took a profound turn when his brother faced a serious health challenge that required a bone marrow transplant. In a testament to familial love and sacrifice, and participating a very new procedure, Dan became his brother’s donor at just 4.5 years of age, offering his brother a renewed chance at life. Throughout this ordeal, Dan’s resilience and the unwavering support of his family were instrumental in his brother’s battle against cancer. The Crockett family was being treated by Dr. Thomas, who ended up winning the Nobel Prize in 1990 for pioneering bone marrow transplantation, the same procedure he first used for Dan and his brother.
In recognition of his courage and contributions, Dan Crockett will be honored at the upcoming Coaches vs. Cancer Tennessee event. This event, dedicated to raising funds for cancer research and patient support, will take place on June 12, 2025, at The Sanctuary Golf & Social Club in Brentwood, TN, with the golf tournament following on June 16 at The Golf Club of Tennessee in Kingston Springs.
Dan’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact of cancer on individuals and families, and the importance of community support in the fight against cancer. His recognition at Coaches vs. Cancer Tennessee underscores the collective effort to support and honor those affected by cancer.
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
