Rose to Advocate Funding for Cancer Research

WASHINGTON -- BYU head basketball coach and cancer survivor Dave Rose will team with three other Division I coaches and cancer advocates to urge Congress to increase federal funding for cancer research and prevention programs. Other coaches involved in the event are Seth Greenberg (Virginia Tech), Steve Donahue (Boston College) and Bruce Weber (Illinois).

Joining with cancer survivors and advocates from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), the coaches will lead a Capitol Hill rally Tuesday, Sept. 28, to emphasize that federal investment in cancer research, prevention and early detection programs are vitally important to cancer patients and survivors.

"I’m honored to be a part of this event and am hopeful that my colleagues and I can bring attention to the vital importance of cancer research, prevention and early detection,” Rose said. “Since my own diagnosis almost a year and a half ago, the battle against cancer has become a personal fight for me and my family. This event is a way to honor all those whose lives have been impacted by this horrible disease, and I’m excited to participate in it."

Rose was diagnosed with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor cancer in June 2009. Since the emergency surgery to remove the tumor, Rose has been cancer free. In 2009-10, he led BYU to 30 victories — a program record — and the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The United States Basketball Writers Association recognized Rose for his efforts with its Most Courageous Award.

The coaches are members of Coaches vs. Cancer, a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. The group of more than 2,000 Division I, II and III college basketball coaches has made the commitment to beat cancer, raising nearly $50 million since its inception to fund cancer research. Additionally, more than 100 high school coaches also participate in the program.

ACS CAN, the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, supports evidence-based policy and legislative solutions designed to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. ACS CAN works to encourage elected officials and candidates to make the fight against cancer a top national priority. ACS CAN gives ordinary people extraordinary power to fight cancer with the training and tools they need to make their voices heard. For more information, visit www.acscan.org.