Denver Nuggets Head Coach George Karl visits child cancer patients of St. Jude Children's Hospital. Karl, a survivor of prostate cancer, was recently diagnosed with throat and neck cancer.

For the NBA and St. Jude Children’s Hospital, the first week of March marked Hoops for St. Jude Week; a week in which NBA players, coaches and fans joined together in efforts to raise funds and awareness for the work of St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis, TN.

Hoops for St. Jude Week was part of an ongoing commitment of the NBA to support the work of St. Jude Children’s Hospital to save the lives of childhood cancer patients who otherwise would not have the financial means to afford treatment.  NBA players Pau Gasol, Danny Granger, Rudy Gay, Steve Blake, Kevin Love and Shane Battier have each pledged to make a donation for every point they score throughout this NBA season, as well as an end-of season donation of $20,000 each.  The Hoops for St. Jude team of NBA players was joined in their effort by Denver Nuggets Head Coach George Karl, a survivor of prostate cancer who has been recently diagnosed with throat and neck cancer, who has also pledged a $20,000 donation toward the cause.  In reflection upon his decision to join the cause, Karl commented, “One of the greatest things I can do as I battle this terrible disease is to help children who are facing the same struggles.”

As part of the NBA commitment to support the work of St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Karl additionally outlined the curriculum for a school-based program, designed for schools which have committed their participation in Hoops for St. Jude Week.  The school-based program, which included a fundraising effort, emphasizes the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle while teaching basketball fundamentals to youth.

You can join the NBA in the fight against childhood cancer by making a donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.  Fans who make a donation of $20 and upwards will receive a commemorative pin, which coaches across the NBA wore throughout the week in support of Hoops for St. Jude.