Jayhawk Student-Athletes Join Fight Against Cancer

Last fall, before the first tip-off of basketball season, University of Kansas student-athletes were already making an impact off the court. Through a Name, Image and Likeness agreement, seven Kansas basketball players partnered with The University of Kansas Cancer Center, ShotTracker and The V Foundation for Cancer Research to launch Jayhawks Victory Over Cancer. 

The campaign featured Flory Bidunga, Elle Evans, Elmarko Jackson, Jamari McDowell, Lilly Meister, S’Mya Nichols and Regan Williams as brand ambassadors who shared their stories and showcased their dedication to both basketball and the fight against cancer. 

Scoring Points for Research 

The student-athletes used ShotTracker technology to highlight their performance on the court while encouraging fans to support cancer research. Several visited the lab of Kristy Brown, PhD, a V Foundation grant recipient. She studies the link between obesity and breast cancer, and how lifestyle changes like weight loss and exercise might help prevent it. 

“We are proud to have partnered with organizations and individuals who believe in the power of research to change lives,” says Roy Jensen, MD, vice chancellor and director of the cancer center. “Their support helps fuel the work our scientists do every day.” 

All funds raised through the campaign support research at the cancer center via a grant from The V Foundation, helping accelerate progress toward better treatments, earlier detection and ultimately, cures.