OXFORD,
Miss. – It’s estimated that more than 2,000 Mississippi residents will
die this year alone due to lung cancer, and another 2,300 will be
diagnosed with the life-threatening disease.
“These are not
small figures,” said Dr. Ralph Vance, a University of Mississippi
Medical Center professor, speaking at a recent Coaches v. Cancer
luncheon at the University of Mississippi.
Vance, past president of the American Cancer Society Mid-South Board of Directors, spoke to about 50 people in attendance. He shared sobering statistics, including the annual cost that burdens the Magnolia State.
“Lung cancer costs Mississippi more than $662 million annually,” Vance said. “That’s about $528 per household.”
To help combat the disease, the Ole Miss men’s basketball team has again teamed up with Coaches v. Cancer. The aim is to not only raise awareness but also to generate funding to fight cancer. UM men’s basketball coach Andy Kennedy said his team is committed to the effort, and he encouraged fans to contribute.
“Fans pledge to donate a certain amount of money for every three-point basket we make throughout the season,” Kennedy said. “It’s a worthwhile cause.”
To make a pledge, fans are asked to pick up a 3-point card at any men’s home game at Tad Smith Coliseum, including the opener on Friday (Nov. 14) against Arkansas State University.
The program was established by the National Association of Basketball Coaches and the American Cancer Society in 1993.
Pledges can also be made by contacting American Cancer Society director Sheila Horne at 662-236-7723 or sheila.horne@cancer.org.