UNM Health Sciences has announced that state legislators will participate in the annual Hoops 4 Hope basketball game, with proceeds going towards supporting cancer patients. The funds raised from this event are allocated to assist individuals receiving care at the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center.
This year's Hoops 4 Hope basketball game is scheduled for Feb. 8 at the Santa Fe Indian School. Coached by Mario Moccia, New Mexico State University Athletic Director, and UNM Athletic Director Eddie Nuñez, the game features a match between the NM House Aggies and the Senate Lobos. According to a press release by UNM Health Sciences, this annual event has been instrumental in generating over $300,000 for the UNM Cancer Center's patient care fund over its 19-year history. Last year saw the Senate emerge victorious with a 33-32 overtime win, raising over $31,000 for the patient care fund.
Yolanda Sanchez, PhD, Director and CEO of the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center expressed her gratitude towards state lawmakers who participate in this charitable event each year. "We appreciate the support of our state lawmakers who participate in the game every year," said Sanchez according to a press release by UNM Health Sciences. "This game and fundraiser provides a crucial source of support for our patients and their loved ones, and it helps us provide the best, most compassionate care to all New Mexicans."
According to information provided on the Hoops 4 Hope webpage by UNM, New Mexico state legislators have been participating in this basketball game since 2000. The teams are divided into House and Senate factions. This tradition was transformed into a fundraiser for the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center in memory of Representative Ray Ruiz who passed away from lung cancer in 2004.
The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center holds an esteemed position as being one of only 56 comprehensive cancer centers across America designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This is the only such center in New Mexico, according to information provided on the About website by the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center.
