Fighting Cancer Laces First

If his sneakers clash a bit with his suit as he works the sidelines, Port St. Joe High School boys’ basketball coach Derek Kurnitsky will have accomplished his task – attention.

Attention to the annual Coaches vs. Cancer Suits and Sneakers weekend, which is aimed at fighting the deadly disease of cancer.

“Coaches all across the country will wear sneakers with their suits,” Kurnitsky said. “Some people do look at you like you are crazy.”

By lacing up sneakers with their suits, college and high school basketball coaches nationwide will spotlight the fact that while cancer remains a major health concern, everyone can take daily steps to reduce their risk of the disease. For those who do not smoke, weight control, exercise and a healthy diet are the best ways to improve health and reduce cancer risk. Obesity has been shown to increase the risk for many forms of cancer, including breast, prostate, and colon cancers and may account for 20 percent of cancer deaths in women and 14 percent in men.

“By wearing our sneakers with our suits we are trying to raise awareness of cancer and cancer research.”

There are high school and college tournaments around the nation devoted to the cause, which emerged three years ago from a partnership between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches.

In addition, workers are encouraged to wear sneakers to work Jan. 29-31 and a $5 donation toward cancer research is being solicited in some locations.

Kurnitsky said the school’s half of the 50/50 drawing at Friday’s game against visiting Lynn Haven Mosley will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

“As a coach I have a platform and an audience,” said Kurnitsky. “Let’s utilize it for a great thing. This is a great opportunity.”

Kurnitsky has dealt with cancer in his own family. His mother is a breast cancer survivor, his wife lost her father to canceer last year. There is almost no family around that has not been touched by cancer.

“There is almost no family that has not been touched by cancer,” Kurnitsky said. “If we can raise money and awareness it will be worth it,” Kurnitsky said.

Kurnitsky is also hopeful that by promoting the Coaches vs. Cancer weekend and being a visible cog in the fight against cancer, it will encourage more coaches to become involved and maybe don a pair of sneakers this weekend.

“We want awareness,” Kurnitsky said. “We want to beat this thing. This is the right thing to do.”