Bench to Beat Cancer is a fundraiser hosted by Duke Sports Performance/Duke Olympic Sports Performance at Duke University, in partnership with Duke Cancer Institute, to help alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with a cancer diagnosis. Some of these barriers to cancer care include the cost of transportation, medications, medical bills, and meals. While the doctors work on the physical issues, we want to help ease the financial and emotional stressors that occur as a result of a cancer diagnosis.
How Does it Work? Duke University student-athletes, coaches, and affiliated staff find sponsors to pledge donations based on the number of bench press reps performed within one minute. Each will choose a weight to bench press from the following categories: 45, 65, 135, or 185 pounds. On Sunday, April 7, coaches and staff (from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM) followed by student- athletes (10 AM to Noon) hit the gym to make good on the pledged donations.
Where Does the Money Raised Go? After the event is completed, 100% of the money raised will be donated directly to the Duke Cancer Institute Oncology Patient Assistance Fund. The fund is administered through the Supportive Care & Survivorship Center whose staff not only help patients in their moment of need but also assess their financial landscape to make sure there's a long-term plan that addresses the financial burden of cancer.
