Vs. Cancer, a nonprofit started by former UNC baseball player Chase Jones, has raised nearly $1 million in the past year.
“When I was diagnosed I promised to fight this disease as long as I could,” Jones said. “Point blank, we will continue to fight this disease. This year we are one million dollars closer to the bold and radical idea that we will truly end child cancer.”
As a college freshman in 2006, Jones was diagnosed with stage four brain cancer. Nine years later, and cancer free, Jones is still making an impact with his Vs. Cancer foundation.
The Vs. Cancer Foundation has partnered with 64 different colleges, 7 professional baseball teams and a number of youth teams to raise awareness and funds to fight child cancer.
One of its partners is UNC Athletics, specifically baseball and lacrosse.
UNC teams raised over $30,000 during homecoming weekend in the fall.
“I didn’t play with any of these guys, which makes it even more significant that year after year both of these teams consistantly buy in,” he said.
Over the past three years, Jones said UNC baseball and lacrosse have raised over $100,000.
“This has become far more than just a feel good story for UNC athletics,” he said. “They’re providing funds that are game changing.”
That money has gone towards funding a child life specialist at UNC’s Lineberger Cancer Center, a position that was part time, but thanks to Vs. Cancer, is now full time.
“It’s kind of a liaison between doctors, nurses, families and patients,” Jones said. “They coordinate all kinds of healing programs such as music therapy to art therapy to retreats, really helping kids feel like kids while they go through the process.”
For anyone who wants to donate or know more about the Vs. Cancer Foundation, click here to visit their website.
At the moment, an anonymous community member is matching all donations up to $5,000.
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