Article courtesy of Coach Chris Russo
The 11th-Annual Sullivan County Basketball Coaches Association of New York (BCANY) vs. Cancer Classic is scheduled for Feb. 1-2 at the Paul Gerry Fieldhouse on the campus of SUNY Sullivan. This two-day festival features seven high school games and is capped off by the SUNY Sullivan Men’s team taking on the Bristol CC. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Oncology Unit at Catskill Regional Medical Center and Sullivan County Ride2Survive.
“We are very excited to once again host the Classic,” , SUNY Sullivan Athletic Director Chris Depew said. “SUNY Sullivan is proud to be part of this event and support our community’s hospital along with those they are helping.”
Since its inception, the BCANY vs. Cancer Classic has donated nearly $36,000 in the fight against cancer, including more than $33,000 to the Oncology Unit at CRMC.
Although there is no single way to prevent cancer, there are many ways that you can decrease your risk of developing cancer and increase your chances of beating cancer if you develop the disease. Cancer Services Program of Sullivan County provides free breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening to men and women in Sullivan County.
“Catskill Regional Medical Center offers excellent cancer care through its Oncology Unit and its well-developed oncology program,” Mr. Russo said. “The hallmark of the program is a multidisciplinary team approach, targeted at treating the whole person. The program continues to be distinguished by the excellent, compassionate care they provide to patients.”
This year’s Classic involves teams from eight local high schools (Eldred, Liberty, Monticello, Roscoe, Sullivan West, Fallsburg, Tri-Valley, and Livingston Manor) and two community colleges (SUNY Sullivan and Bristol CC). Section IX Basketball Coaches Association of New York (BCANY) along with SUNY Sullivan, The Sullivan County Basketball Officials Association, and participating teams will use this platform to support the CRMC Oncology Unit and Ride2Survive-Sullivan County. The goal this year is to raise more than $5,000.00, which would make it the fourth consecutive year with at least $5,000 in donations.
“Cancer has impacted all of us in some way,” Monticello Boys Basketball Coach and BCANY Deputy Executive Director Chris Russo said. “This event gives us the opportunity to support members of our community in their fight against cancer. It teaches a great lesson to our players about community and the greater good; to appreciate their health and talent. We hope it raises awareness and funds, but more importantly the spirits of those who are going through their own struggle with cancer.”
The games this weekend are dedicated in honor of Glorianne Ellison. Glorianne is a cancer survivor, served as an oncology nurse at CRMC, is an advocate for patient care, and a founding partner of Ride2Survive – Sullivan County.
“Glorianne has dedicated her life to helping others, in particular those that are suffering from cancer,” Mr. Russo said. “I am so happy that we are able to thank her in this way.”
Ride2Survive is a community-based volunteer organization whose mission is to assist with transportation expenses for Sullivan County residents or those receiving treatment locally, who are under the care of an oncologist and who have been diagnosed with cancer or pre-malignant conditions. The donations to CRMC Oncology and Ride2Survive will be made in her name.
“I am so touched by this gesture,” Ms. Ellison said. “I’ve learned more from my patients than they have from me. My cancer journey was made easier because of them along with my family and friends. I am eternally grateful.”
To donate, place an ad, volunteer at the event, or for any additional information, please contact Chris Russo.
Address: 43 Seaman Rd. Circleville NY, 10919 E-mail: crusso@k12mcsd.net Cell: 551-655-8281
Game Schedule
All games will take place at the Paul Gerry Fieldhouse on the campus of SUNY Sullivan.
Feb. 1, 2019
4 p.m. Tri-Valley vs. Eldred Varsity Girls
5:30 p.m. Sullivan West vs. Eldred Varsity Boys
7 p.m. Liberty vs. Monticello Varsity Girls
8:30 p.m. Liberty vs. Monticello Varsity Boys
Feb. 2, 2019
9 a.m. Liv. Manor vs. Fallsburg Varsity Boys
10:30 a.m. Roscoe vs. Fallsburg Varsity Girls
12 p.m. Roscoe vs. Tri-Valley Varsity Boys
2 p.m. Bristol CC vs. SUNY Sullivan Men’s