$10,500 raised for cancer patient in Sideline Cancer finale game

Sideline Cancer Grand Finale: Bishop Guilfoyle vs. Clearfield – A Night to Remember

The Bishop Guilfoyle (BG) community is no stranger to rallying around a cause, and on this special night, they once again demonstrated their unwavering support. The Sideline Cancer Grand Finale basketball game between BG and Clearfield High School was more than just an intense rematch—it was a historic event dedicated to a beloved BG administrator, Cathy Damiano.

A Packed House for a Meaningful Cause

BG Academy has long been a champion for Sideline Cancer, hosting two major events each year—one during football season and another during basketball season. However, this particular night was set to go down in history as one of the most remarkable events ever hosted by BG and Sideline Cancer. With a massive crowd expected, fans were urged to arrive early to ensure entry into what promised to be a memorable evening.

While the cause took center stage, the game itself was nothing short of thrilling. The BG girls’ basketball team entered the matchup with an impressive 17-2 record, fresh off a dominant seven-game winning streak, including key victories over Norwin and Bishop McCort. Earlier in the season, BG had edged out Clearfield in a nail-biting 54-50 victory, making this rematch a must-watch showdown.

Clearfield, boasting a strong 13-4 record, was not to be overlooked. Riding a five-game win streak and winning 10 of their last 11 matchups, Clearfield was determined to even the score. Their only recent loss came by a narrow three-point margin to a tough DuBois Central Catholic squad, proving they were a formidable opponent.

BG Secures the Victory and a Historic Donation

The Bishop Guilfoyle Girls Basketball Team hosted their 3rd Sideline Cancer Game in consecutive years, winning ALL three games. This year’s game was by far the closest as they narrowly defeated a really strong Clearfield team, 58-55, in front of a packed and enthusiastic crowd.

Beyond the excitement on the court, the night was an overwhelming success for the Sideline Cancer mission. BG officially joined the prestigious “5 Figure Club,” having raised an incredible $10,500 in donations to support Cathy Damiano. They now stand alongside other high-achieving schools, including Bishop Carroll, Central Cambria, Forest Hill, Bishop McCort, Northern Bedford, Claysburg, and Central HS, all of whom have made significant contributions to the cause.

An Emotional Moment of Recognition

At the end of the third quarter, Sideline Cancer President Cathy Griffith took the microphone in the BG gymnasium and asked the crowd to stand if they had been impacted by Cathy Damiano at some point in their life. In a powerful and emotional moment, EVERYONE in the gym stood and clapped, showing their deep appreciation for Cathy’s lasting influence.

Seconds later, BG Cheer revealed the final donation count—$10,500—eliciting a wave of emotion from the crowd. Players from the BG Girls Basketball Team embraced Cathy in a heartfelt moment that underscored the true significance of the night.

The definition of “Legacy” is the long-standing impact one has on others’ lives. In Cathy Damiano’s case, her impact has reached far beyond a single person—she has touched an entire community, and they showed up in full force to support her on this unforgettable evening.

More Than Just a Game

This event was about more than basketball. It was a testament to the power of community, the strength of support, and the unbreakable spirit of those who Believe Always. The overwhelming turnout and passionate atmosphere reinforced the message that no one fights alone in the battle against cancer.

Sideline Cancer continues to make an impact, bringing people together through sports to support those affected by cancer. The BG vs. Clearfield showdown was yet another example of how a game can transform into something far greater—a night of unity, hope, and unwavering belief.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support this incredible event. Your presence, donations, and dedication help fuel the mission to Sideline Cancer, one game at a time.

If you or your school would like to host a Sideline Cancer event and make a difference in your community, please contact Jordan Griffith at [email protected].

To host your own Sideline Cancer event contact Jordan – [email protected] 

To see videos and keep up with all the latest Sideline Cancer action follow us on Instagram here :  Sideline Cancer on Instagram

Southern Huntingdon Hosts First-Ever Sideline Cancer Game, Donates $3,200 to Cancer Patient

$3,200 Raised for Cancer Patient at Southern Huntingdon’s 1st ever Sideline Cancer Game

Last week, the Southern Huntingdon Girls Basketball Team made history by hosting their first-ever Sideline Cancer Game against their rivals, Williamsburg High School. The night was not just about basketball—it was about rallying a community together for a cause bigger than the game itself.
Through a remarkable outpouring of support, including generous donations, basket raffles, and Sideline Cancer gear sales, an incredible $3,200 was raised and donated to Tim Hockenberry, a beloved community member. This event showcased the power of high school athletics in uniting people behind an important mission—the fight against cancer.
While the energy in the gym was electric, the competition on the court was just as fierce. Southern Huntingdon capitalized on the home crowd’s enthusiasm, especially from behind the three-point line in the first half. However, the Williamsburg Lady Pirates responded in the third quarter with a dominant performance. Led by Levada Gorsuch, who scored an impressive 26 points and dominated the paint, Williamsburg pulled away in the second half. Despite a late rally from Southern Huntingdon, Williamsburg managed the clock effectively and secured a 10-point victory, claiming the I Can Cup trophy for the second consecutive year and improving to 2-0 in the rivalry series.
A huge thank you goes out to everyone who made this event possible, including the dedicated coaches, teachers, family members, and administrators from both schools. A special shout-out to Scott Price and his wife for their outstanding efforts in making the night a success.
This event was a testament to the true spirit of Sideline Cancer and the “Bigger Than Basketball” mindset that drives this movement forward. We look forward to another unforgettable Sideline Cancer game at Southern Huntingdon next year!
Interested in hosting a Sideline Cancer game at your school or college? Contact Jordan at [email protected] and join us in making a difference through the power of sports.

To host your own Sideline Cancer event contact Jordan – [email protected] 

To see videos and keep up with all the latest Sideline Cancer action follow us on Instagram here :  Sideline Cancer on Instagram

Williamsburg and Juniata Valley Basketball Teams Unite for Inaugural Sideline Cancer Game

A Night of Competition, Community, and Compassion

On February 4, 2025, the Williamsburg Boys Basketball Team hosted Juniata Valley for the inaugural Sideline Cancer Rivalry Game—a night that showcased the power of sports to bring people together for a cause bigger than basketball. This special event was dedicated to supporting Bridgett Merritts in her courageous battle against cancer, and the Williamsburg and Juniata Valley communities rallied together to make a difference.

A Rivalry Game with Purpose

Williamsburg entered the game with an 11-7 record, including a previous 10-point win over Juniata Valley earlier in the season. However, Juniata Valley, with their high-powered offense, had been averaging 70+ points per game in their last seven matchups, setting the stage for an exciting, high-scoring contest.

With a packed gym and electrifying energy from both teams, the inaugural Sideline Cancer Game did not disappoint. Williamsburg secured a nearly 20-point victory over their rivals, earning their 12th win of the season and celebrating with the coveted I Can Cup trophy. The night was not just about the final score—it was about the greater impact being made for a member of the community.

A Heartfelt Moment: $2,650 Raised for Bridgett Merritts

The most powerful moment of the evening came after the final buzzer when both teams, along with the Williamsburg HS Cheer Team, revealed the total funds raised for Bridgett Merritts—an incredible $2,650. Emotions ran high as Bridgett’s son, Zack Merritts, embraced his mother, and the community’s generosity and unity brought many in attendance to tears.

This game was a shining example of Sideline Cancer’s mission—using the power of sports to inspire, uplift, and support those battling cancer. Through ticket sales, donations, and unwavering community support, Williamsburg and Juniata Valley proved that together, TOGETHER WE CAN!

Join the Movement!

Sideline Cancer is looking to expand its impact by bringing Rivalry Games and fundraising events to more schools across the country. If your school or sports team wants to make a difference and support cancer patients through the Sideline Cancer Patient Assistance Program, reach out today!

Contact Jordan Griffith at [email protected] to learn how you can host a Sideline Cancer event at your school.

Let’s continue to stand together, support those in need, and believe in the power of community.

To host your own Sideline Cancer event contact Jordan – [email protected] 

To see videos and keep up with all the latest Sideline Cancer action follow us on Instagram here :  Sideline Cancer on Instagram

$1,500 Raised Through Sideline Cancer Patient Assistance Program

Penn Cambria Girls Basketball Team Raises $1,500 Through Sideline Cancer Patient Assistance Program

The Penn Cambria Girls Basketball Team made a powerful statement in the fight against cancer by hosting their first-ever Sideline Cancer Game against Somerset High School on Wednesday, January 29th. Not only did the team secure their first I Can Cup, but they also raised an impressive $1,500 to support Krista Stolz, who has been courageously battling cancer.

This event, part of the Sideline Cancer Patient Assistance Program, demonstrated the incredible impact that high school sports can have on local communities. The players, fans, and coaches came together for an unforgettable night of basketball and generosity. A special thank you goes out to the Penn Cambria Basketball Booster Club, which contributed an additional $300 at the end of the night, helping reach the final total of $1,500.

Events like these showcase how sports can serve as a platform for positive change, uniting communities and providing direct financial support to cancer patients in need. The success of Penn Cambria’s event reinforces the importance of continuing this mission and expanding the reach of the Sideline Cancer Patient Assistance Program.

We are excited to return to PCHS next year for another impactful event! If your school is interested in hosting a Sideline Cancer game, contact Jordan at [email protected] today and be a part of this incredible movement.

To host your own Sideline Cancer event contact Jordan – [email protected] 

To see videos and keep up with all the latest Sideline Cancer action follow us on Instagram here :  Sideline Cancer on Instagram

Bigger Than Basketball Game Raises $1800 to Sideline Cancer

State College Hosts 1st “Bigger Than Basketball” Game: A New Tradition Begins

At the heart of every great movement is a community coming together with purpose. On January 16th, 2025, the State College Girls’ Basketball Team hosted the Altoona Lady Lions for the inaugural “Bigger Than Basketball” game—a night dedicated to raising awareness and support for Sideline Cancer and its mission to fight pancreatic cancer. This event marked the start of a meaningful tradition, proving that sports can inspire change both on and off the court.

Despite the high stakes of the game—playoff seeding for the Mid-Penn Conference and District VI, with both teams boasting an impressive 11-2 record—the focus of the evening extended far beyond basketball. The players, coaches, and administrators from both teams united in recognition of the work of Cathy Griffith, President of Sideline Cancer. Her tireless efforts have propelled the mission to take “Pancreatic Cancer Off The Sideline & To The Finish Line For A Cure!”

Nationwide, Cathy Griffith is one of 20 patient advocates driving the fight against pancreatic cancer. Her leadership has connected patients, doctors, and communities, facilitating over $300,000 in donations to pancreatic cancer research and $200,000 in financial assistance for patients. Her advocacy has reached an astounding 197 countries, spreading hope and awareness through the unifying power of sports.

In December, the State College Basketball Team approached Sideline Cancer about hosting an awareness event during their game against Altoona. One month later, the first “Bigger Than Basketball” game became a resounding success, raising $1,800 to support the advocacy and awareness initiatives led by Cathy Griffith.

The State College Cheer Team added a special touch to the evening’s festivities by flipping over cards displaying the amount raised, accompanied by a dramatic drum roll from the State College Band. This tradition, shared by cheerleaders at other Sideline Cancer-hosted events, emphasizes the collective effort behind every dollar raised and every life impacted.

This remarkable night was made possible by the female athletes, coaches, and administrators at both schools who came together with a shared purpose. Their collaboration exemplifies the power of sports to inspire action and create lasting change in the fight against pancreatic cancer.

The “Bigger Than Basketball” game is more than a single event; it’s the beginning of a tradition that unites communities and strengthens the resolve to sideline cancer. Thank you to everyone who played a role in making this night unforgettable. Together, we can and will make a difference.

To host your own Sideline Cancer event contact Jordan – [email protected] 

To see videos and keep up with all the latest Sideline Cancer action follow us on Instagram here :  Sideline Cancer on Instagram

Hollidaysburg Hockey Hosts State High: $3,350 Raised for Hadley Reed

Hollidaysburg Hockey Hosts State High: $3,350 Raised for Hadley Reed – Tradition Continues

For the second consecutive year, the Hollidaysburg Hockey Team has demonstrated the power of sports to bring communities together and make a difference in the lives of those battling cancer. The annual “Bigger Than Hockey Game” has become a meaningful tradition, showcasing the team’s dedication to providing financial assistance to local families facing the challenges of cancer.

This year’s recipient was 7-year-old Hadley Reed, a young girl from Hollidaysburg whose connection to the hockey community runs deep. Her father, Cory Reed, coached the Hollidaysburg Golden Tiger Hockey Team last season and is an ’07 graduate of Hollidaysburg Area High School. The event, held at Galactic Ice, raised an incredible $3,350 to support Hadley and her family during this challenging time. This amount was made possible through the collective efforts of the Hollidaysburg Senior Class, generous contributions from the community, and a donation from Warrior Sports Physical Therapy.

Last year’s “Bigger Than Hockey Game” recipient, James Miller, a 9th-grade hockey player from North Star High School, received $2,900 to aid him in his battle against cancer. This growing tradition exemplifies the spirit of unity and compassion that defines the Hollidaysburg Hockey Team and their supporters.

The funds raised for Hadley Reed reflect the mission of the Sideline Cancer Patient Assistance Program, which leverages the power of high school and college sports to support cancer patients and their families. These events not only provide much-needed financial aid but also foster a sense of hope and community for those facing unimaginable challenges.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who contributed to the success of this year’s event. Your generosity and dedication to making a difference in the lives of others are what keep this tradition alive.

Are you inspired by the impact of the “Bigger Than Hockey Game”? If you’d like to host a similar event in your community or school, we encourage you to reach out to Jordan at Sideline Cancer at [email protected]. Together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families. Let’s keep proving that sports are about more than just the game – they’re about the community and the strength we find in each other.

To host your own Sideline Cancer event contact Jordan – [email protected] 

To see videos and keep up with all the latest Sideline Cancer action follow us on Instagram here :  Sideline Cancer on Instagram

$5600 Raised for Cancer Patients in Ebensburg, PA

Sideline Cancer Patient Assistance Program helps raise $5600 in Ebensburg PA for Mike Farabaugh and Luke Francisco

In Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, a rivalry that usually sparks fierce competition on the basketball court has turned into a powerful force for good. The Central Cambria and Bishop Carroll basketball teams have embraced the spirit of giving, proving that some things are indeed bigger than basketball. Over the past four years, their “Bigger Than A Rivalry” matchups have raised over $28,000 to support community members battling cancer. This year was no exception, as the two schools came together to raise $5,600 for Mike Farabaugh and Luke Francisco, two beloved members of the Ebensburg community recently diagnosed with cancer.

The energy was electric as the Central Cambria Girls Basketball Team faced off against the Bishop Carroll Girls in a heavyweight matchup. With an impressive 51-31 victory, Central Cambria secured their first-ever “I Can Cup” trophy in this rivalry series, narrowing Bishop Carroll’s lead to 2-1. On the boys’ side, Central Cambria claimed their second consecutive “I Can Cup” with a hard-fought 62-56 win, tying the series at 2-2. But beyond the thrilling action on the court, the real victory was the philanthropy that united these rival communities.

Parents, teachers, students, and fans worked tirelessly to make the event a success. Through the sale of Sideline Cancer merchandise, basket raffles, donations, and other initiatives, the community demonstrated their unwavering commitment to supporting those in need. The people of Ebensburg truly embody the “I Can Attitude” and “Believe Always” spirit, rallying behind Mike and Luke with an army of supporters.

This annual event has not only raised substantial funds but also laid the groundwork for other schools to host similar philanthropic initiatives. The dedication of parents, teachers, administration, and students serves as a shining example of how high school sports can bring communities together to make a difference.

As the rivalry grows, so does its impact. The Ebensburg community continues to inspire others with their generosity and determination to support cancer patients and their families. The “I Can Cup” series is more than a competition; it’s a testament to the power of unity and compassion.

If your school would like to join the mission and host a “Bigger Than Basketball” event, contact Jordan Griffith at Sideline Cancer via email at [email protected] to learn how you can get involved.

To host your own Sideline Cancer event contact Jordan – [email protected] 

To see videos and keep up with all the latest Sideline Cancer action follow us on Instagram here :  Sideline Cancer on Instagram

we can make a difference, one game at a time.