Coaches vs. Cancer is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches.
Since 1993, more than 6,000 coaches have participated and raised over $155 million for the American Cancer Society. The most successful Coaches vs. Cancer program in the nation, Philadelphia, has raised more than $21 million since 1996, engaged 20 Big 5 Men’s Basketball Head Coaches, and dozens of collegiate, high school, and youth coaches of all sports.
We host events in Philadelphia throughout the year, including a gala, networking events and a golf tournament. We also work with school and youth coaches to host tournaments, camps and more. Learn more about our other events and how you can get involved!
Nearly 30 years ago, while building their legacies on the basketball court, Fran Dunphy and Phil Martelli founded the Philadelphia Chapter of Coaches vs. Cancer. To help further the impact, Ree Dunphy and Judy Martelli joined forces and established the BasketBall Gala, our premier fundraising event, which celebrated its 20th Anniversary this past spring.
Through their leadership, guidance, and desire to Crush Cancer, they have grown the Philadelphia Chapter of Coaches vs. Cancer to be the largest in the country and have raised more than $21 million for the American Cancer Society.
The Dunphys and Martellis have played an integral role in every major local American Cancer Society milestone and campaign. One of their most tangible contributions was leading the charge to make the Philadelphia Hope Lodge a reality- ensuring cancer patients from around the world have a free home away from home while they receive treatment in our city. Which is why at this year’s Anniversary BasketBall, we announced we would be naming the Ree & Fran Dunphy and Judy & Phil Martelli Lobby at the Philadelphia Hope Lodge, to welcome guests for years to come.
They have been a resource to so many of those in our community fighting this disease and we are eternally grateful for their relentless commitment to the American Cancer Society’s vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.
Learn about the Philadelphia Hope Lodge
John Giannini, Fran Dunphy, Phil Martelli, Jay Wright, Bruiser Flint, Jerome Allen
Zach Spiker, Ashley Howard, Aaron McKie, Billy Lange, Jay Wright, Steve Donahue
Jay Wright, Steve Donahue, Phil Martelli, Fran Dunphy, Zach Spiker, Billy Lange, Kyle Neptune, Adam Fisher
