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Cancer impacted them. Basketball united them. This year, INFINITI has partnered with the NCAA® and Coaches vs. Cancer again — a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches to raise funds during 2018 March Madness.
It takes strength and character to take on cancer and win. It’s exactly the kind of character you’ll find in every one of the Hardwood Heroes who took to the court to raise money and awareness in the battle against cancer.
INFINITI is supporting those heroes with donations to Coaches vs. Cancer based on the number of correct picks made during the six CBS Sports Round by Round Brackets online.
In the 2018, INFINITI is proud to have raised more than $1 million for charities through programs like Hardwood Heroes and the Coaches Charity Challenge.
The 3rd Annual Hardwood Heroes game took place at
the Alamodome in San Antonio on March 30th, 2018. This year’s teams were comprised of tough, inspiring cancer survivors who faced off against a team of Hardwood Hero alumni.
Osteosarcoma
Deondre has played basketball for most of his life and dreamed of going pro. Instead, he found himself up against the most difficult opponent: cancer. Shortly afterhe lost his father to the disease in 2017, he was diagnosed with bone cancer. At the age of 26, he’s currently in remission, and back on the court where he’smost happy.
Colorectal Cancer
Hunter’s lifetime of experience playing basketball and 11 years as a deep sea diver prepared him with the determination and fighting spirit for his battle against Stage 3 colon cancer. Despite every challenge – including a surprise heart surgery – this 30-year-old has remained active in his daily life and on the court.
Cervical and Ovarian Cancer
From leading on the court as a high school basketball player, to growing up and becoming a high school teacher, 29-year-old Jacquelyn has always been aninspiration for all those around her. After being diagnosed with cancer in 2017, Jacqueline brought that same inspiring spirit to the fight and since her surgery in September has been cancer-free.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
This 21-year-old former collegiate athlete loves, plays and excels at basketball. He was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, and began treatment immediately with his family flying in to be with him for every treatment. Despite his challenges, Emilio leads a very active lifestyle with a very positive outlook.
Non‐Hodgkin Lymphoma
Born tall and athletic, playing basketball was a no-brainer for Mark. This 53-year-old copywriter was diagnosed with Diffuse Large B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in August of 2017, and has only been in remission since November. Despite everything, Mark is grateful to get out and do anything physical – includingsuiting up for this year’s Hardwood Heroes game.
Breast Cancer
Aside from her career as an interior designer, Krystal’s whole life is basketball. Not only did she grow up on the court, she even married a coach. Krystal was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, but after 6 months of chemo and 5 years of oral treatment, she is now cancer free and never been more ready to play.
Osteosarcoma
An Executive Chef by trade in Austin, TX, 31-year-old Paul now works with Ottobock, a prosthetic company. But before that, Paul was diagnosed with cancer in May of 2006, ultimately resulting in having his leg amputated two years later. Paul won his battle and hasn’t let the fight slow him down. He’s returned to the court, playing in his local league and in our Hardwood Heroes game.
