UCLA Athletics’ annual Dribble for the Cure drew 650 participants and their basketballs to campus on Sunday, Oct. 11, raising a record $186,700 for pediatric cancer research and treatment. The contributions took Dribble past the $1 million mark in total funds raised since its beginnings eight years ago. Proceeds benefit the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation and support treatment for pediatric cancer patients at Mattel Children’s Hospital UCLA.
Starting at Drake Stadium, participants dribbled basketballs on a 1.2-mile course across the campus, finishing at Collins Court in the John Wooden Center. Dribbling along with them were student-athletes from UCLA’s men’s and women’s basketball teams and UCLA Athletics, as well as Bruin men’s basketball great John Vallely.
UCLA men’s basketball has been involved with Dribble for the Cure since its inception in 2008. For Steve Alford, entering his third season as the Bruin men’s head coach, this was also his third ‘Dribble’ event.
“I like the sound of basketballs bouncing around campus as hundreds of people come together to raise money to fight children’s cancer,” Alford said. “It’s what our program is all about, giving back and helping others. Reaching the $1 million donation goal is a great accomplishment for everyone involved.”
“It was so incredible to see patients, families, friends, students, alumni, athletes and the community come together in one purpose: to find new cures for childhood cancer,” said Dr. Theodore B. Moore, chief of Pediatric Hematology Oncology at Mattel Children’s Hospital UCLA.
The contributions are part of the $4.2 billion Centennial Campaign for UCLA, scheduled to conclude in December 2019, during UCLA’s 100th anniversary year.
See a Pac-12 video recap of this year's Dribble for the Cure.
