What We Do

These kids are here to love and survive. We’re here to make sure they have the support—and the joy—they need and deserve.

Our Mission

To provide financial, physical, and emotional support to children and families who are directly impacted by cancer that are treated in Kansas and Missouri area hospitals while also promoting social awareness and delivering hope to those we serve.

A STORY OF HOPE

In 2009, Brian Hanni created the Rock Chalk Roundball Classic as a benefit for the family of Brandon White, a Lawrence youth pastor who had lost his life to cancer. Brian is a long-time KU broadcaster and currently the “Voice of the Jayhawks.” Hanni wanted to use his platform in Kansas Athletics to remind former KU stars of the position of influence they still have even after their days at Allen Fieldhouse are over. His new project attracted many former KU basketball players, who returned to play or coach in the game. Fans were given the opportunity to see Kansas basketball legends they admired in a close-up and intimate environment at the same time they were raising money to benefit Brandon’s family. Along with the game, the Roundball Classic also offered a silent auction including autographed and limited-edition memorabilia donated by former KU players and coaches.

After the success of the initial game, the Rock Chalk Roundball Classic continued as an annual event. Because Brandon White’s passion was children and his fight was cancer, the Roundball Classic shifted its focus to benefiting families battling pediatric cancer or other challenging illnesses, and has raised over $1,042,000 for those families. 109 former KU basketball players have returned to play in the Classic to date, including 17 NBA draft picks and three NBA champions. In addition, three members of the 2008 KU Orange Bowl team, a former WBC Welterweight Champion, an ESPN SportsCenter anchor and a winner of Survivor have volunteered to play.

The Rock Chalk Roundball Classic has helped more than 40 families to date. We hope through expanded awareness, player participation, and personal donations, we can continue to grow and exceed our goals for years to come

Barbara Adkins • Ochai Agbaji • Cole Aldrich • Udoka Azubuike • Brett Ballard • Scooter Barry • David Beaty • Brennan Bechard • Ray Bechard • Jeff Boschee • Nick Bradford • Joel Branstrom • Christian Braun • Dezmon Briscoe • Terry Brown • Jeff Carey • Jeremy Case • Jared Casey • Mario Chalmers • Eric Chenowith • Sherron Collins • Nick Collison • Carolyn Davis • Silvio DeSousa • Gradey Dick • Greg Dreiling • Lester Earl • Perry Ellis • Monica Engleman • Neil Everett • Mason Fairchild • Derek Fine • Dan Fitzgerald • Christian Garrett • Drew Gooden • Devonte' Graham • Jeff Graves • Trent Green • Kenny Gregory • Jeff Gueldner • Greg Gurley • Jerod Haase • Jeff Hawkins • Kirk Hinrich • Darnell Jackson • Alonzo Jamison • David Johanning • Elijah Johnson • Jordan Juenemann • Sasha Kaun • Ron Kellogg • Matt Kleinmann • Natalie Knight • Kylee Kopatich • Keith Langford • Dedric Lawson • KJ Lawson • Michael Lee • Lance Leipold • Mitch Lightfoot • Mario Little • Landen Lucas • Frank Mason • Brandon McAnderson • David McCormack • Danielle McCray • Ben McLemore • Aaron Miles • Christian Moody • Brady Morningstar • Roger Morningstar • Marcus Morris • Markieff Morris • Svi Mykhailuik • Malik Newman • Moulaye Niang • Terry Nooner • Greg Ostertag • Ted Owens • Sean Pearson • Scott Pollard • Ritch Price • TJ Pugh • Mark Randall • Tyrel Reed • Todd Reesing • Travis Releford • Patrick Richey • Ryan Robertson • Russell Robinson • Dave Robisch • Brandon Rush • Brandon Schneider • Wayne Selden • Bill Self • Tyler Self • Wayne Simien • Neil Smith • Darrell Stuckey • Aqib Talib • Tyshawn Taylor • Chris Teahan • Conner Teahan • Billy Thomas • Calvin Thompson • Nick Timberlake • Jamari Traylor • Darnell Valentine • Stephen Vinson • Rex Walters • Justin Wesley • Walt Wesley • Jalen Wilson • Brad Witherspoon • Jeff Withey • Julian Wright • Clay Young • Kevin Young • Chris Zerbe
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