EAST LANSING -- Tom and Lupe Izzo know well the devastating effects of cancer and they recognize that the best defense against this life-threatening disease is a good offense. 

When MSU faces off against Penn State, Coach Izzo and his coaching staff will join coaches across the nation by leaving their dress shoes at home and wearing sneakers with their suits to raise awareness about the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving mission and the Suits and Sneakers fundraising challenge. 

In Spartan country, this game is the official start to Suits and Sneakers season for Coaches vs. Cancer of Michigan State University.  Tom and Lupe Izzo invite Spartan basketball fans across the state of Michigan to follow suit and support the American Cancer Society by lacing up in the fight against cancer. 

The Suits and Sneakers Fundraising Challenge brings together coaches, players and fans on the same team and provides an alternative to traditional corporate sponsorship. This challenge is a pledge-based worksite fundraiser, “Wear Your Sneakers to Work Day” that combine employee contributions with corporate matched gifts. Participating worksites will select a day during the basketball season to encourage their employees to wear sneakers for a donation within their place of business.  

Suits and Sneakers is a national Coaches vs. Cancer event that is held one weekend each year during basketball season to raise awareness about the American Cancer Society and the Coaches vs. Cancer program, a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). The program leverages the personal experiences, community leadership, and professional excellence of our country’s college basketball coaches to raise funds for the American Cancer Society and reduce cancer risk through education programs.    

Employers are in a position to positively influence their employees’ health behaviors by creating a culture of health and wellness within their organization.  It is in this spirit that Tom and Lupe invite companies and businesses to designate a Coaches vs. Cancer Day at work during the college basketball season and be part of a unique initiative that is building across the state.   

“We need help to take the American Cancer Society’s mission from the basketball court to the office,” said Coach Izzo. “By joining the roster of participating worksites they become part of a special team whose collaborative efforts will help provide health and hope for thousands of people.” 

To learn more about Team Izzo or to donate go to www.msucvc.com. For more information contact Kate Follett, Society staff partner for Coaches vs. Cancer of MSU, at 517.664.1370 or email kate.follett@cancer.org.