Michael Roth and Curing Kids' Cancer Executive Director Grainne Owen at the first Battle Kids' Cancer with the Gamecocks event.
/ Zoheb Hassanali
COLUMBIA (WACH) - Several Gamecock coaches and fans were raising money for pediatric cancer on Thursday.
The first Battle Kids' Cancer with the Gamecocks lunch was held Thursday morning.
The event featured lunch, a silent auction and appearances by University of South Carolina Athletic Director Ray Tanner, basketball coaches Frank Martin and Dawn Staley, and former star pitcher Michael Roth.
There were around 160 people in attendence; all showing their support for a dangerous disease.
Executive Director of Curing Kids' Cancer, Grainne Owen, says her son died from cancer and hopes the event will become an annual tradition.
"When we lost our son, I realized that I couldn't sit back knowing that was happening to other families all the time. A child is diagnosed every half an hour and a child dies every two and a half hours. To see a community like the Gamecock community getting behind fundraising, even a small amount of money, really makes a difference," said Owen.
Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit pediatric cancer research at Palmetto Health Childrens Hospital.
Since Curing Kids' Cancer became an official charity in 2005, the organization has donated more than $2 million to childhood cancer research.
To get involved or donate to Curing Kids' Cancer, click here.
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