The OSUCCC – James Community Partners Program consists of corporations, individuals and community groups that raise funds in support of our vision to create a cancer-free world. From corporate initiatives to local events, our more than 400 Community Partners bring in significant dollars to further research, education and patient care at the OSUCCC – James. To learn more, please contact The James Development Office at 614-293-2120 or communitypartnerevents@osumc.edu, or visit The James Community Partners Program.
Breath of Hope
Benefiting Blue Beautiful Skies Fund for Lung Cancer Research
L Brands hosted the third annual Breath of Hope Celebration on Saturday, April 22. With record attendance of over 375, the evening was full of laughter, memories and a community coming together to support lung cancer research. The Breath of Hope Celebration and ongoing fundraising efforts have raised $275,000 this year to help fund a future without lung cancer.
Michael A. Caligiuri, MD, director of the OSUCCC and CEO of The James, started the evening’s program by sharing the need for research funding in a changing health care landscape. David Carbone, MD, PhD, director of the Thoracic Oncology Center at the OSUCCC – James, talked about incredible breakthroughs happening in research. Keynote speaker Chris Draft, NFL ambassador and international health care advocate for Team Draft, implored attendees to get involved and stand up as advocates supporting lung cancer patients in our community.
Breath of Hope is a not-for-profit advocacy organization committed to raising awareness for lung cancer and raising money to find the cure. In just three years, Breath of Hope has donated over $500,000 to the OSUCCC – James thoracic oncology program. To learn more about Breath of Hope, please visit our website BreathOfHopeOhio.com and follow us on Facebook at Breath of Hope Gala or on Twitter at breath_hope.
The Ohio Eggfest
Benefiting the Urban and Shelley Meyer Fund for Cancer Research
The third annual Ohio Eggfest, presented by Specialty Gas House, took place on Saturday, Aug. 12, in Upper Arlington, Ohio. This family-friendly gathering for foodies originated as a way for the Big Green Egg to say thank you to loyal customers and has become a rite of passage for “Eggheads.” Funds were raised through ticket sales, team registrations, sponsors, Big Green Egg sales and donations. Teams that registered at the event had the chance to compete for the coveted “People’s Choice Award,” and the professionally judged “Very Prestigious Award.” The day included music, food, activities for kids, special contests and raffle prizes. This year, the event raised over $40,000. For more information, please visit theohioeggfest.com.
Mary Diaz and William Copeland Jr. Memorial Tennis Tournament
Benefiting the Mary Diaz Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund
The 13th annual Mary Diaz and William Copeland Jr. Memorial Tennis Tournament, benefiting the OSUCCC – James and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, took place July 21 and 22. The tournament kicked off at the Ohio State Lincoln Tower Park tennis courts Friday evening with drills, prizes and Adriatico’s pizza. The doubles tournament started early Saturday morning. Players of all skill levels competed, from beginners to NCAA All-Americans. Due to inclement weather, The Player’s Club and Elysium Tennis Club graciously hosted the tournament indoors.
This year’s speakers included Mary Dillhoff, MD, a surgical oncologist at the OSUCCC – James, who highlighted the critical role research plays in finding a cure. Sandy Mack, a pancreatic cancer survivor, inspired listeners by sharing the story of her battle with the disease. And Graham Campbell gave a moving presentation about his father Doug, this year’s tournament honoree. Doug was an avid golfer, a strong leader and a dedicated father; he recently lost a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer and will be dearly missed.
The event concluded with the annual cookout held at the Diaz household. This end-of-tournament bash, as always, was filled with laughs, love and lots of food. A highlight of the cookout was the balloon release, a meaningful way for participants to remember lost loved ones. Overall, the tournament was a tremendous success, with nearly 160 competitors and over $50,000 dollars donated to the OSUCCC – James to support pancreatic cancer research.
Scooter Scramble
Benefiting Neuro-Oncology Novel Therapies and Research Fund
The 12th annual Scooter Scramble was held on Saturday, July 15, at the Golf Club of Dublin. Over 130 golfers hit the course in memory of Scott Sellers, who died of complications from glioblastoma multiforme, the most aggressive form of brain cancer. Scott was diagnosed with the rare brain cancer in 2004 and died just over a year later. After his passing, his family created the Scott Seller Memorial Fund.
Scott loved golf, and the Scooter Scramble celebrates his life and love for the game. This year, the event raised over $7,000 to benefit the Neuro-Oncology Novel Therapies and Research Fund at the OSUCCC – James. The organization also hosts an annual “Kicking Cancer” comedy event in the fall to benefit Neuro-Oncology at The James.