Saturday, June 13, 2009
More than 1,500 fans packed the Free State High School gymnasium June 11 to watch former Kansas basketball stars compete in a Rock Chalk Roundball Classic benefit game. The benefit was organized to help Lawrence resident Jody White and her family pay for the medical bills they are still receiving after Jody’s husband, Brandon, died May 6 from bone cancer at age 29.
The Roundball Classic pitted the Red team, which featured players such as Billy Thomas, Darnell Jackson and Christian Moody, against the Blue team, which featured players such as Wayne Simien, Sasha Kaun and Russell Robinson. Coach Bill Self greeted fans and chose to sit on the bench of the blue team, which eventually lost the game 111-103.
Jodi White shakes Bill Self's hand before the Rock Chalk Classic charity basketball game. The fundraiser was held to benefit Jodi and her son after the death of Lawrence resident and longtime KU Basketball fan Brandon White.
Matt Klineman stretches before Thursday's charity basketball game at Free State High School.
Brandon was a youth pastor at the Heartland Community Church, 619 Vermont St., and an ardent Kansas football and basketball fan. Until last fall, he had not missed a home football game in more than 11 years. Jody said the response from the community of over the past year had been overwhelming.
“The generosity of the school and the town has been incredible,” she said after the game. “My husband loved KU basketball and loved Lawrence.”
Brandon’s cancer was diagnosed in his right leg in 1996 when he was in high school. After receiving chemotherapy treatment, the cancer went into remission for nearly 10 years, during which time he attended the University and married Jody, with whom he had a son, Erwin. The cancer returned last year, and after noticing the increased size of the tumor in his leg, Brandon met with an oncologist and a surgeon. Shortly after that meeting, Brandon’s leg was amputated July 1, 2008.
Brian Hanni, who organized the game, became friends with Brandon during his illness. He said originally Brandon was going to attend the game, but during the planning stage he passed away.
Sasha Kaun, former Kansas center who now plays basketball in Russia, said he was elated to help the White family and to be a part of the game.
“The turnout was great. It was a great way to raise some money by getting people in here,” Kaun said. “I’m glad that the guys are back.”
Simien, former Kansas All-American forward and member of the 2006 NBA championship Miami Heat team, now works with his ministry Called to Greatness, in connection with Morning Star Church and Midwest Student Ministries. He said the night of the game was not about basketball, but about honoring Brandon’s life, his battle against cancer and his service to the community.
Donations can be mailed to “The Brandon White Cancer Fund,” Heartland Community Church, 619 Vermont St., Lawrence, KS 66044.
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Comments
Jayhawk greats battle at Roundball Classic
They should have video of this and sell advertising for the cause, I'd totally stream that.
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