Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club Named 2026 Vince Lombardi Award of Excellence Honoree for Game-Changing Commitment to Cancer Awareness

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin (February 12, 2026) – The Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation announced the Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club will be recognized with the prestigious Award of Excellence at the 35th annual Award of Excellence Dinner on March 7 at The Pfister Hotel.

Individual tickets for the Award of Excellence Dinner and corporate sponsorships are available at lombardifoundation.org. Funds raised at the black-tie event directly support cancer research, treatments and other mission-driven programs of the Foundation to prevent cancer, provide superior patient care, and find a cure.

The Milwaukee Brewers will accept the Award of Excellence, an annual award presented to a person or organization that captures the spirit of commitment and pursuit of excellence that defines legendary Coach Vince Lombardi. The Milwaukee Brewers were unanimously selected in recognition of the Brewers’ ongoing commitment to advancing cancer research and awareness through numerous collaborations between health care partners, players, coaches and fans throughout the years.

In 2025 alone, during their record-breaking season, the Milwaukee Brewers and Brewers Community Foundation supported hundreds of local nonprofits, investing in health, education, recreation, and basic needs across the state. “Both on and off the field, the Milwaukee Brewers are deeply woven into the fabric of our community and give back to support so many critical needs throughout Greater Milwaukee and Wisconsin,” said Kate Braasch, Chief of Presidential Affairs, Marquette University, and Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation board member and Award of Excellence Dinner co-chair. “We are beyond grateful for the support that the Brewers have shown to the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation, as well as so many other organizations that share our mission of finding a cure.”

Champion for a Cure

In addition to honoring the Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club, the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation will recognize Cecelia Gore, executive director of Brewers Community Foundation, with the Champion for a Cure Award. Introduced last year, this award honors local leaders who embody the same spirit of commitment and excellence in the fight against cancer.

Under Gore’s leadership, the Milwaukee Brewers Community Foundation supports local nonprofits in the areas of health, education, recreation, and basic needs, with a particular focus on low income and disadvantaged youth and their families. “Cecelia is an unwavering champion for those most vulnerable and deserving in our community,” said Emily Phillips, Financial Advisor, Phillips Ristau Group – Baird, and Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation Vice President and Award of Excellence Dinner co-chair. “As a cancer survivor, she exemplifies resilience, strength and compassion, inspiring all who know her.”

###

About the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation

The Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation was established in 1971, in memory of five-time National Football League Championship Green Bay Packers Coach Vince Lombardi. His spirit, enthusiasm and commitment to excellence touched countless lives. On September 3, 1970, he lost a battle to colon cancer, dying at only 57. In his honor, the foundation is dedicated to preventing cancer, caring for those fighting it, and finding a cure. For more information, visit lombardifoundation.org.

Vince Lombardi
Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation Funds Hope Through 2025 Grants

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin (January 6, 2026)  – The Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation (VLCF) announced it has awarded more than $300,000 in grants to healthcare institutions advancing cancer research and survivor support in 2025. From a competitive pool of 52 grant applications, the Foundation selected eight organizations whose work aligns with its mission to find a cure, prevent cancer, and provide the highest quality care for those affected by the disease.

“This year, the Foundation received more than double the number of grant submissions compared to 2024, illustrating the critical need for funding of scientific and social service programming, particularly amid uncertainty in the cancer research funding environment,” said Ann Marie Moss, executive director of the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation. “VLCF is proud to stand alongside these organizations, each addressing cancer prevention, care, and cure from a unique and impactful perspective. It is only through strong community partnerships that VLCF can continue to step in, fill funding gaps, and help advance life-saving and life-changing work.”

The Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation, with guidance from its Medical Advisory Committee comprised of national oncology experts, selects grant applicants to receive awards ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. 

New Prostate Cancer Detection Technology
A significant grant was awarded to the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) for the design of a 10-minute non-invasive MRI scanning protocol to improve prostate cancer screenings. The new tool will be strengthened by artificial intelligence algorithms developed with a unique MRI dataset 10 years in the making at MCW. Upon completion, the new testing protocol will provide patients with a more accurate prostate cancer screening tool, boosting cancer localization and staging.

“Currently, prostate cancer screening is performed with the standard PSA blood test that often produces inconsistent and nonspecific results,” said Peter LaViolette, PhD, Vice Chair of Radiology Research and Director of the Radiology Quantitative Imaging Laboratory at the Medical College of Wisconsin. “Before long, this new abbreviated MRI scan will distinguish between aggressive cancers requiring treatment and slow-growing tumors that pose little threat. We’re grateful to the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation for recognizing the importance of advancing this patient-centered research and helping make this enhanced technology a reality.”

Team Phoenix Survivorship Program
In addition to research-based grants, the Foundation also supports programming that enhances quality of life for cancer survivors. Another significant grant was awarded to Aurora Health Care’s Team Phoenix, a unique cancer survivorship program that unites female survivors together as a team with a common goal. The mission of the medically overseen 14-week triathlon training team and year-round survivorship programming is to empower female cancer survivors to learn to trust their bodies again and establish regular exercise routines, instill healthy lifestyle habits, and build life-long supportive friendships with other survivors.

Full List 2025 Grants

The following is a full list of the 2025 grant awardees of the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation.

  • YMCA of Greater Waukesha County

    • Support for Youth Strong and LIVESTRONG at the YMCA expands free wellness support for childhood and adult cancer survivors, emphasizing community-based exercise, social connection, and healthy behavior

  • Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN

    • Boosting the Immune System to Fight Ovarian Cancer

  • Hopecam

    • Support for Elevate Hope – Wisconsin, helping children across the state stay connected to their world, their friends, and the moments that matter most

  • Children’s of Alabama/UAB, Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders

    • Treating Neuroblastoma with Protein Phosphatase 2A Reactivation as a Mechanism to Target MYCN

  • The Medical College of Wisconsin

    • Pancreatic cancer liver metastasis prevention through activation of anti-tumor liver immune cells

  • The Medical College of Wisconsin

    • Abbreviated and AI-enhanced prostate MRI for cancer screening

  • Aurora Health Care

    • Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinics

  • Aurora Health Care

    • Team Phoenix

For more information on the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation’s grantmaking process, please visit lombardifoundation.org.

###

ABOUT THE VINCE LOMBARDI CANCER FOUNDATION
The Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation was established in 1971, in memory of five-time National Football League Championship Green Bay Packers Coach Vince Lombardi. His spirit, enthusiasm and commitment to excellence touched countless lives. On September 3, 1970, he lost a battle to colon cancer, dying at only 57. In his honor, the foundation is dedicated to preventing cancer, caring for those fighting it, and finding a cure. For more information, visit lombardifoundation.org.

Vince Lombardi
Top Restaurants and Wineries Gather for the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation’s Signature Food & Wine Event

MILWAUKEE, Wisc., October 14, 2025 – The Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation will host its 22nd annual Food & Wine Experience at the Pfister Hotel on November 7, 2025.

Tickets are on sale and going fast for this can’t-miss celebration, one of the foundation’s signature events. Founded in 1971, the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation boasts a mission of partnering with and supporting organizations that help prevent cancer, provide the best care to those fighting it, and advance research to find a cure.

“Each year, Food & Wine brings our community together to honor the many people in our lives who have been impacted by cancer while celebrating the incredible culinary talent Milwaukee has to offer,” said Ann Marie Moss, executive director of the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation. “Now in our 22nd year, we’re excited to welcome both longtime supporters and new guests to join us in our mission to prevent cancer, provide superior care for patients during their cancer journey, and find a cure.”

Taking place on Friday, November 7 on the seventh floor of the Pfister Hotel, the event will feature Milwaukee’s finest restaurants, alongside wine, beer, and spirits from nationally recognized vineyards and distilleries. Guests will enjoy three hours of uninterrupted food and beverage sampling throughout the historic hotel, with a silent auction, wine pull, live music, and more.

Featured participants include: 44 North Idaho Vodka, Amilinda – VIP Lexus Lounge Exclusive, Blue Bat, Blue's Egg + Bakery, Bridgewater Modern Grill, The Capital Grille, Crown Royal, The Duckhorn Portfolio, Eldr+Rime, Ethica Wines, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Freshchef MKE, FreshFin, Gundlach Bundschu Wines, I.d., J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, La Crosse Distilling Co., Lemonyay! Convivial Culinary, Lo Duca Brothers Inc., Lowlands Private Events & Catering, Lush Popcorn – VIP Afterglow Exclusive, Margaux Brasserie, Mason Street Grill, Maxie's, Milwaukee Chophouse, NEAT, Noble Catering & Events, Oak City Amaretto, O'Neill Vintners & Distillers (Intercept Wines), Ope! Brewing Co., Storyhill BKC, Studio Kitchen & Cocktails, Three Fat Guys Winery – VIP Lexus Lounge Exclusive, Treasury Wine Estates, WhistlePig Whiskey (listing subject to change).

Tickets for the Friday Tasting Gala are $150 per person.

Attendees can elevate their experience by upgrading to VIP, which includes early registration beginning at 6pm and access to the VIP Lexus Lounge, featuring exclusive tasting stations from four-time James Beard Award finalist Chef Gregory Leon of Amilinda and Packer’s Super Bowl Champion Tony Moll, co owner of Three Fat Guys Winery pouring wine in person, with comfortable, relaxed seating. Plus, VIP guests are invited to enjoy special dessert and after-dinner drink stations with a cash bar at the VIP Afterglow from 9:30-11pm. VIP tickets are $200, with limited quantities available.

All guests must be 21 years of age or older to attend.

For more information on the event, how to purchase tickets or become a sponsor, please visit lombardifoundation.org.

###

ABOUT THE VINCE LOMBARDI CANCER FOUNDATION The Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation was established in 1971, in memory of five-time National Football League Championship Green Bay Packers Coach Vince Lombardi. His spirit, enthusiasm and commitment to excellence touched countless lives. On September 3, 1970, he lost a battle to colon cancer, dying at only 57. In his honor, the foundation is dedicated to preventing cancer, caring for those fighting it, and finding a cure. For more information, visit lombardifoundation.org.

Vince Lombardi
Mason and Molly Crosby to Receive the 2025 Vince Lombardi Award of Excellence

Milwaukee, WI – On March 1, 2025, NFL kicker and all-time leading scorer of the Green Bay Packers Mason Crosby, along with his wife, Molly Crosby, a lung cancer survivor, will accept the prestigious Award of Excellence from Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation.

The foundation will honor the Crosbys at its 34th Award of Excellence Dinner on March 1 at the Pfister Hotel. The Award of Excellence recognizes individuals who capture legendary coach Vince Lombardi’s spirit of commitment and pursuit of excellence. Honorees have the same desire as the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation to prevent cancer, provide the best care to those battling it, and find a cure. 

“Molly and I are truly humbled and honored to accept the Vince Lombardi Award of Excellence from the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation,” said Mason Crosby. “This recognition is not just a reflection of our personal journey with cancer, but a testament to the incredible strength of those battling cancer every day. It is an honor to be listed amongst the previous recipients of this award.”

Tickets to the black-tie event and corporate sponsorships are available at lombardifoundation.org.

An individual ticket is $300 and a table of 10 is $3,000. All tickets include dinner, a Q&A with the Crosbys, an open bar during the reception and complimentary valet parking. Funds raised will support cancer research and treatments.

“There is no moving forward in the fight against cancer without individuals like Mason and Molly Crosby," said Emily Phillips, Financial Advisor, Phillips Ristau Group – Baird, and Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation board member and Award of Excellence Dinner co-chair. “They have been extraordinary in supporting the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation’s mission to advance cancer research and care.”

This year, a new Private VIP After Party will follow the award ceremony, located in the Pfister Hotel's Mezzanine, overlooking the lobby. Sponsors and their VIP guests will enjoy exclusive access to a lively atmosphere to continue celebrating after the event, complete with a bar and space to gather with Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation board members and others.

“The Crosby family, like so many others before them, represent what is best about the Award of Excellence Dinner – that is, they embody courage and hope," added Kate Braasch, Chief of Presidential Affairs, Marquette University, and Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation board member and Award of Excellence Dinner co-chair. “The stories shared at this event are what inspire me, and all our supporters, to live a life of faith and purpose.”

Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation is also accepting donations in honor of individuals who are currently battling or have battled cancer, as well as in memory of individuals who have passed away from cancer at lombardiaward.givesmart.com. The names and photos of these individuals will be included in the event’s printed program.

###

About Mason and Molly Crosby

Mason Crosby is the Green Bay Packers' all-time leading scorer and holds the NFL record for the most consecutive postseason field goals made with 20. He also won a Super Bowl with the Packers and set the franchise record for most field goals, including a dozen game-winning kicks.

Mason and Molly Crosby met at the University of Colorado – Boulder, where Mason played football and Molly was a cheerleader. In 2019, Molly was diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer. She underwent surgery on Aug. 31, 2019, at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., to remove a neuroendocrine tumor from the bottom lobe of her right lung.

The Crosbys have five children and have been deeply involved with the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation. Both Mason and Molly have served as co-chairs of the Vince Lombardi Golf Classic and have supported numerous initiatives to fight cancer.

About the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation

The Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation was established in 1971 and has raised over $24 million in memory of five-time NFL Championship Green Bay Packers Coach Vince Lombardi. Coach Lombardi’s spirit, enthusiasm and commitment to excellence touched countless lives. On September 3, 1970, he lost a battle to colon cancer, dying at only 57. In his honor, the foundation is dedicated to preventing cancer, caring for those who are battling it and finding a cure. Its national Medical Advisory Committee reviews grant requests to ensure the foundation is funding the most innovative and cutting-edge cancer projects. For more information on the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation, visit lombardifoundation.org.

Vince Lombardi
Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation announces 2024 grant recipients, launches matching campaign

MILWAUKEE, Wisc., November 13, 2024 – The Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation awarded more than $300,000 to its 2024 grant recipients, which included healthcare institutions across the country that support the foundation’s mission to prevent cancer, provide the best care for those fighting it and find a cure.

This year, the foundation provided $320,000 in grants to eight organizations across the country, including its largest gift of $80,000 to the Medical College of Wisconsin to pursue a new scientific research project specifically related to therapies for cancer metastasis, which is responsible for most cancer-related deaths.

“I am incredibly grateful to receive support from the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation. This award will help us make fundamental discoveries in how pancreatic cancer liver metastasis occurs and identify novel therapies to prevent disease progression. It is an honor to receive this funding in the name of a Wisconsin-based inspirational figure,” said Nikki Lytle, a Medical College of Wisconsin assistant professor in the division of Surgical Oncology.

The Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation, with guidance from its Medical Advisory Committee comprised of national oncology experts, selects grant applicants to receive awards ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 from two main funds: the VLCF Fund and Starr Children’s Fund.

This year the foundation received 23 applications for the 2024 grant cycle in three categories: scientific research, clinical research, and patient/caregiver support.

Other local organizations awarded include the YMCA of Greater Waukesha County’s LIVESTRONG program, which is a 12-week program for cancer survivors to build community and overall health, and Aurora Health Care’s Team Phoenix program, a 14-week exercise rehabilitation program for cancer patients and survivors to gain health and wellness by training for a sprint-distance triathlon.

“Thanks to our Medical Advisory Committee for sharing their time and expertise to review many compelling applications, and to our Board of Directors for their thoughtful consideration of the submissions. We are so pleased to award over $300,000 in grants to organizations these partners in the fight against cancer,” said Ann Marie Moss, executive director of the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation.

Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation 2024 Grant Recipients

  • Medical College of Wisconsin (Disabling metastasis through blockade of desmoplastic stroma formation) $80,000

  • Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation
    (Patient Navigation Center) $75,000

  •  Team Phoenix at Aurora Health Care $52,814

  • University of Michigan (Optimizing Survivorship Among Younger Adults with Colorectal Cancer) $50,000

  • YMCA of Greater Waukesha County (LIVESTRONG) $15,000

    Starr Children’s Fund 2024 Grant Recipients

  • Children’s of Alabama (Protein Phosphatase 2A Reactivation as a Mechanism to Target MYCN) $50,000

  • Children’s of Alabama (Bart and Cherry Starr Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Fund) $10,000

  • Hopecam Inc. $10,000

To build on the success of the 2024 grant cycle and achieve increased funding in 2025, the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation also launched a $50,000 year-end matching grant campaign thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor who is currently battling cancer. Funds from the matching campaign will go to support the foundation’s mission to prevent and cure cancer and care for those fighting it.

For more information on the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation’s grantmaking process, please visit lombardifoundation.org.

###

The Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation was established in 1971, in memory of five-time National Football League Championship Green Bay Packers Coach Vince Lombardi. His spirit, enthusiasm and commitment to excellence touched countless lives. On September 3, 1970, he lost a battle to colon cancer, dying at only 57. In his honor, the foundation is dedicated to preventing cancer, caring for those who are battling it and finding a cure. For more information, visit lombardifoundation.org.

Vince Lombardi
Packers vs. Cancer Campaign Kicks Off Sept. 29th at Lambeau Field

MILWAUKEE, September 19, 2024—The Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation, Green Bay Packers, and Bellin Health have partnered for the eighth year of the Packers vs. Cancer initiative to raise awareness of all cancers, raise funds for research and care and remind fans that early screening can save lives.

Green Bay Packers, Bellin Health, and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation will formally kick off the Packers vs. Cancer campaign when the Minnesota Vikings visit the Packers at Lambeau Field on September 29.

The game will be presented by Bellin Health and attending fans will receive a Packers Vs. Cancer rally towel. The game will also incorporate several game entertainment elements that will honor cancer survivors and their loved ones.

“We’re pleased to launch the Packers Vs. Cancer effort for another year to demonstrate our support for those fighting cancer and their loved ones,” said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. “We are proud to join with our partners, Bellin Health and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation, to build on the impact this campaign has had over the first seven years. From raising funds for cancer research to reminding our fans and fellow community members to get screened, we’re looking forward to another year of joining the fight against cancer.”

Each hat sold will include a $5 donation directly to the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation. Fans visiting the Packers Pro

Shop can also add $1 or more to their purchases in support of the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation.

In the first seven years of the Packers Vs. Cancer initiative, the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation has directed the funds raised toward a variety of programs, including pediatric care research and childhood cancer treatments, programs for women cancer survivors and developing therapies for leukemia.

“The Green Bay Packers and Bellin Health are valued partners in the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation’s work to prevent cancer, provide superior care to patients, and find a cure,” the foundation’s executive director Ann Marie Moss said. “The Packers vs. Cancer initiative unites a strong Packers football fanbase in the fight to end cancer, and we are excited to see the impact of this year’s campaign.”

The Packers vs. Cancer initiative will run through October and feature a limited edition Packers vs.

Cancer hat available for purchase in-person and online at the Packers Pro Shop.

For more information on the event, how to purchase tickets or become a sponsor, please visit lombardifoundation.org.

###

The Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation was established in 1971, in memory of five-time National Football League Championship Green Bay Packers Coach Vince Lombardi. His spirit, enthusiasm and commitment to excellence touched countless lives. On September 3, 1970, he lost a battle to colon cancer, dying at only 57. In his honor, the foundation is dedicated to preventing cancer, caring for those who are battling it and finding a cure. For more information, visit lombardifoundation.org.

Vince Lombardi
Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation Welcomes James Beard Award-winning Chef Vishwesh Bhatt to the 21st annual Food & Wine Event

MILWAUKEE, Wisc., September 9, 2024 – The Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation will host its 21st annual Food & Wine Event at the Pfister Hotel and Wisconsin Club-City Club on November 1-2, 2024.

Tickets are now on sale for the two-evening celebration, one of the foundation’s signature events. The Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation, founded in 1971, boasts a mission of partnering with and supporting organizations that will help prevent cancer, provide the best care to those fighting it, and find a cure.

“Food & Wine is an opportunity for all of us to gather and celebrate Milwaukee’s culinary excellence while also remembering the many people in our own lives who have been impacted by cancer,” said Ann Marie Moss, executive director of the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation. “In our 21st year, we hope to welcome guests from across the country to join in our mission to prevent and fight cancer and support those battling it.”

Friday’s Tasting Experience, on the seventh floor of the Pfister Hotel, will feature Milwaukee’s finest restaurants, top wineries and breweries from across the country. Guests will enjoy three hours of food and beverage samplings and live music throughout the historic hotel.

In 2023, the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation welcomed celebrated culinary artists, including Indulgence Chocolatiers, Mason Street Grill, The Bartolotta Restaurants - Lake Park Bistro, La Crosse Distilling Co. and the J. Leinenkugel's Barrel Yard.

Tickets for the Friday Tasting Experience are $125 per person.

For Saturday’s Celebrity Chef & Wine Dinner, guests will experience the culinary excellence of James Beard Award-winning chef Vishwesh Bhatt. The evening includes a five-course meal paired with wine and cheeses at the picturesque Wisconsin Club-City Club in downtown Milwaukee.

Bhatt, the executive chef at Snackbar in Oxford, Mississippi, worked his way up from prep cook to his current role. He was the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef South and Southern Living’s Southerner of the Year in 2019. His cuisine intertwines Southern and subcontinental foodways.

Tickets for the Celebrity Chef & Wine Dinner are $300 per person. The Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation is offering a special promotion for a table of eight. The $2,400 price includes the Saturday night fine dining experience and two complimentary tickets to the Friday Tasting Experience.

For both the Tasting Experience and Celebrity Chef & Wine Dinner, all guests must be 21 years of age or older.

For more information on the event, how to purchase tickets or become a sponsor, please visit lombardifoundation.org/food-wine.

###

About the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation

The Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation was established in 1971, in memory of five-time National Football League Championship Green Bay Packers Coach Vince Lombardi. His spirit, enthusiasm and commitment to excellence touched countless lives. On September 3, 1970, he lost a battle to colon cancer, dying at only 57. In his honor, the foundation is dedicated to preventing cancer, caring for those who are battling it and finding a cure. For more information, visit lombardifoundation.org.

In Loving Memory of Cherry Starr

Cherry Morton Starr, 89, passed away peacefully at her Birmingham home with her family and close friends at her side. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bart Starr (2019) and her son Bret (1988). She is succeeded by her son Bart Starr, Jr. (Elaena), grandchildren Shannon (Ryan), Jenny, and Lisa, and her six great-grandchildren (Bryan, Teddy, Violet, Dillon, Skyler, and Caden). She was a figurative mother to many more.

Read More

Chellee Siewert
Bucks' Pat Connaughton to receive 2024 Vince Lombardi Award of Excellence

Pat Connaughton has picked up a number of notable titles during his time with the Milwaukee Bucks: NBA world champion, Dunk Contest participant (remember that?) and now he can add 2024 Award of Excellence recipient courtesy of the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation.

The award – given to "individuals who capture legendary coach Vince Lombardi’s spirit of commitment and pursuit of excellence," according to a release – will be given to Connaughton at the foundation's annual Award of Excellence Dinner, hosted at The Pfister Hotel on Saturday, March 2. Recent recipients of the award include Erin Andrews, Russell Wilson, the Walter Payron family, Jim Kelly and, last year, TNT sports host Ernie Johnson. 

Read More

Chellee Siewert
Cousins Subs presented $50,000 check at Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation event

Cousins Sub's presented the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundations (VLCF) Starr Children's Fund with a check for fundraising efforts from their Catering for a Cure Campaign. 

The event took place on Friday, Nov. 3. Throughout the month of September, Cousins Subs and their Make It Better Foundation pledged to donate $15 from every 20-piece Party Box sold, up to $50,000, to the Starr Children's Fund. 

Read More

Chellee Siewert
'You Guys are the Real Warriors': Green Bay Packers Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft visit Children's Wisconsin in Milwaukee

Two Green Bay Packers visited Children's Wisconsin Milwaukee Hospital on Tuesday, to help boost the spirits of tiny Packers fans battling childhood cancer.

The tight ends were visiting as part of the Packers vs. Cancer initiative, which was launched seven years ago and aims to raise awareness for all cancers. The Packers partner with Bellin Health and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation.

“Seeing the kids' faces light up when the Packers players walked in was truly heartwarming,” said Christine Baranoucky, vice president of engagement & stewardship for Children’s Wisconsin.

Read More

Chellee Siewert
A New Breakthrough in Pediatric Cancer Gets Researchers One Step Closer to Finding a Cure

A new discovery in childhood cancer could be the next step in learning how to best fight and treat a challenging pediatric cancer. New research from Children’s Cancer Therapy Development Institute, funded by the Starr Children’s Fund and Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation, shows that cancer genes thought to be on at constant high levels might vary in being on or off depending on the phase of cell duplication. This pediatric cancer discovery, which has been published in Leukemia Research, creates more opportunities to learn critical subsequent information in the fight against cancer in children. 

Read More

Chellee Siewert
Targeting brain tumors in kids could help find better, less toxic drugs

In order to help kids with cancerous brain tumors, Jezabel Rodriguez Blanco has to cobble together grants from different foundations to fund her work.

Sometimes, it means looking up who the foundation was named after. Rodriguez Blanc, an assistant professor at Hollings Cancer Center at Medical University of South Carolina, has received grants from cancer foundations named for two legendary sports figures. One is from the V Foundation, founded by the late North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN personality Jim Valvano. More recently, she got a $100,000 grant from the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation and the Starr Children’s Fund, named for respectively the former Green Bay Packers coach and his star quarterback, Bart Starr. 

Read More

Chellee Siewert