MADISON, Wis. – Over $40,000 was raised for the fight against cancer in Wisconsin and five basketball fans were honored as Shooting for a Cure, the inaugural Coaches vs. Cancer event in Wisconsin, had a triumphant first year.

Steve Lavin, a college basketball analyst for ABC and ESPN and the former head men’s basketball coach at UCLA, was the keynote speaker, joining coaches from five Wisconsin basketball programs who served as hosts for the event.

Bo and Kelly Ryan of the University of Wisconsin, Rob and Deanna Jeter of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Luke and Meredith Reigel of UW-Parkside, Paul and Michelle Combs of UW-Platteville and Todd and Jennie Adrian of Edgewood College combined to help make the night a success.

The event, held at the Marriott Madison West May 31, raised over $40,000 for the American Cancer Society in Wisconsin.

“For a first-year event, we couldn’t be happier with the results,” said Jennie Adrian, chair of the planning committee. “Our sponsors and our guests that evening made it possible for us to generate some money to fight cancer right here in Wisconsin. We said it over and over that night, it’s nearly impossible to find someone that hasn’t been affected by this horrible disease. It’s gratifying to know that we can all team up to shoot for a cure.”

The event spotlighted a fan from each of the five programs that has been affected by cancer. Among those honored were Nancy Butch (Wisconsin), Gwendolyn Merritt (UW-Milwaukee), Cindy Smith (UW-Platteville), Maureen Monfre (UW-Parkside) and Charlene Nelson (Edgewood).

Butch, whose son, Brian, recently completed a standout career with the Badgers, was diagnosed with breast cancer in the summer of 2004, and after chemotherapy and radiation, received a clean bill of health in March of 2005.

Merritt, whose daughter, DeDe, is program assistant for the UWM basketball program, was diagnosed with breast cancer on May 23, just over a week before the event.

Smith, the mother of Michelle Combs, whose husband, Paul, is head basketball coach at Platteville, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1990, re-diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993, diagnosed with recurrent breast cancer in 2006 and this year learned the cancer has spread to her sternum, lungs, and possibly her heart.

Monfre was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001, and she passed away this past January. Maureen and her husband, Gary, are close friends with the Reigel family. Luke Reigel is head coach at UW-Parkside, and his father, Tom, is an assistant with the Rangers.

Nelson was diagnosed in May of 2001 with esophageal cancer, and after surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, she was declared a survivor in 2006. Her husband, Arthur, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March of 2005, and passed away just three months later. Two of their sons, Eric and Matthew, both played basketball at Edgewood and were inducted into the Edgewood Hall of Fame in 2003, and Mark served as a coach for the Eagles.

Nelson, a retired kindergarten teacher who is now a full-time volunteer in the community, spoke at the event on behalf of the fans.

Matt Lepay, the voice of Wisconsin football and basketball radio broadcasts, served as master of ceremonies. Barry Alvarez, UW director of athletics, was among the guests.

A planning committee is already working on the second annual event, which will be held in May of 2009. If you are interested in helping, or want to be placed on a mailing list for information about the event, please contact Linda Witucki with the ACS at (262) 523-5574.

Updates will also be available at www.shootingforacurewi.org.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 13 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information anytime, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

Coaches vs. Cancer is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) that empowers basketball coaches, their teams, and local communities to make a difference in the fight against cancer.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

David Gallianetti, Director of Communications, Lakeland College, P.O. Box 359, Sheboygan, WI 53082, Phone: 920-565-1219, Email: gallianettidd@lakeland.edu