# Breaking News: Roy Williams’ Fast Break Against Cancer Surpasses $2.4 Million Milestone in Fight Against Deadly Disease
**Chapel Hill, NC – November 4, 2025** – In a heartwarming triumph for cancer research and community spirit, legendary University of North Carolina men’s basketball coach Roy Williams has announced that his annual Fast Break Against Cancer event has officially topped $2.4 million in total funds raised. The milestone, achieved through a combination of live auctions, online bidding, and generous donations, underscores the enduring commitment of the Tar Heel nation to battling one of humanity’s most formidable foes. Hosted at the iconic Dean E. Smith Center, the event continues to galvanize support for the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, fueling groundbreaking research and patient care initiatives.<grok:render card_id=”f9f01d” card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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The announcement comes as the online auction component of the 13th annual Fast Break wrapped up, pushing the cumulative total beyond expectations. What began as a modest breakfast gathering in 2005 has evolved into a powerhouse fundraiser, drawing basketball enthusiasts, survivors, medical professionals, and philanthropists alike. This year’s event, held on the opening day of basketball practice, featured an array of memorable moments, from spirited bidding wars to poignant testimonials that highlighted the human cost of cancer and the hope offered by ongoing advancements.
Roy Williams, the Hall of Fame coach who led UNC to three NCAA championships during his illustrious career, has long been a personal advocate for cancer research. His passion stems from deeply personal experiences; like many, Williams has seen family members, friends, and colleagues affected by the disease. In his opening remarks at the event, Williams emphasized the collective effort required to eradicate cancer. “Everyone’s lives, including my own, have been touched by cancer in some way through a family member, friend or colleague,” he said. “Researchers have made great strides, but until we wipe this disease from the face of the earth, there is more to do. Our Fast Break breakfast is one of thousands of events that can make a difference and is a way we can all fight cancer together.”<grok:render card_id=”364c51″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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Emceed by Jones Angell, the voice of UNC basketball and football on radio, the breakfast brought together a who’s who of Tar Heel legends. Attendees included former play-by-play announcer Woody Durham, women’s basketball head coach Sylvia Hatchell, ex-athletic director Dick Baddour, and current members of both the men’s and women’s basketball teams. The atmosphere was electric, blending the excitement of hoops season with the solemn purpose of the cause. Live auctions featured exclusive memorabilia, such as autographed jerseys, game tickets, and behind-the-scenes experiences, which fetched impressive sums from enthusiastic bidders.
A highlight of the morning was the keynote address by North Carolina Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Carl Fox, a survivor of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a rare blood cancer. Treated at the N.C. Cancer Hospital, part of the UNC Health system, Fox shared his harrowing journey and the critical role that community support played in his recovery. “What is my point to you? My point is: be a friend to someone who has cancer. Pray for someone who has cancer, or think about someone who has cancer,” Fox implored the audience. “I really believe that was one of the differences in my being here today. If my life was spared, I was going to come out to folks like you, and give to causes that save people’s lives.”<grok:render card_id=”b8459c” card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> His words resonated deeply, reminding everyone of the personal stakes involved.
Adding to the emotional depth was the story of Darrell Vest, a pancreatic cancer survivor who attended with his wife and a group of friends. Vest, owner of D’s Bottle Shop and Craft Beer College in Wakefield, has turned his ordeal into action by donating proceeds from beer sales and rallying his community. “Because [the surgeon] came here, is why I’m still here,” Vest said, crediting the expertise at UNC Lineberger. He expressed humility at the outpouring of support: “I was very humbled by all of that. A lot of people made me feel really good by putting money toward this.”<grok:render card_id=”3024d1″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> Stories like Vest’s and Fox’s humanize the statistics, illustrating how funds raised translate into real lives saved.
The UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, one of the nation’s leading institutions designated by the National Cancer Institute, has been the primary beneficiary of Fast Break’s proceeds since its inception. These dollars support a wide array of programs, from cutting-edge clinical trials and genomic research to patient support services and community outreach. In recent years, advancements in immunotherapy, precision medicine, and early detection have been accelerated by such funding, offering new hope to patients across North Carolina and beyond.<grok:render card_id=”6ba430″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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Dr. Shelley Earp, director of UNC Lineberger, praised the event’s impact in a statement: “Roy Williams’ dedication has not only raised vital funds but also raised awareness about the importance of cancer research. Every dollar contributes to our mission of reducing cancer incidence and improving outcomes for all.” Under Earp’s leadership, the center has expanded its facilities, including the state-of-the-art N.C. Cancer Hospital, which provides comprehensive care from diagnosis through survivorship.
The Fast Break’s success is a testament to the power of sports as a platform for social good. Williams, who retired from coaching in 2021 after a storied career that included over 900 wins and inductions into both the College Basketball Hall of Fame and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, has continued his philanthropic efforts post-retirement. Events like this build on his legacy, blending his love for basketball with a fierce determination to combat cancer. Past iterations have featured guest speakers from the sports world and beyond, including fellow coaches and celebrities, further amplifying the reach.
Looking back, the event’s growth is remarkable. Starting with a few hundred attendees, it now draws crowds eager to contribute. The online auction, which extended the fundraising window, included items like VIP trips to UNC games, signed basketballs from NBA stars with Tar Heel roots, and exclusive coaching sessions. Bidders from across the country participated, demonstrating the national appeal of Williams’ cause.
In the broader context of cancer fundraising, Fast Break stands alongside initiatives like the Jimmy V Foundation, founded by another North Carolina coaching icon, Jim Valvano. Both highlight how the ACC basketball rivalry extends to collaborative efforts against common enemies. North Carolina, with its high cancer burden—ranking among states with elevated rates of tobacco-related cancers—benefits immensely from localized support.
As the nation grapples with rising healthcare costs and the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer screenings, events like Fast Break are more crucial than ever. Delayed diagnoses during the pandemic have led to advanced-stage detections, increasing the urgency for research funding. UNC Lineberger has been at the forefront, adapting with telehealth services and vaccine trials.
Community involvement extends beyond the event itself. Local businesses, alumni networks, and student groups have organized satellite fundraisers, from bake sales to three-point contests, all funneling proceeds to the cause. This grassroots momentum ensures the fight continues year-round.
Williams, ever the optimist, closed the event with a call to action: “We’ve come a long way, but the game isn’t over. Let’s keep pushing until cancer is defeated.” His words echo the resilience of the survivors in attendance and the researchers working tirelessly in labs.
With the $2.4 million milestone now in the rearview, organizers are already planning for next year, aiming to surpass even higher totals. For those inspired to contribute, donations can still be made through the UNC Lineberger website, ensuring the fast break against cancer maintains its momentum.
This breaking news not only celebrates a financial achievement but also honors the human stories behind it—the fighters, the survivors, and the supporters united in hope. As basketball season tips off, the real victory is in the lives touched and the progress made toward a cancer-free future.
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