June 6, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. | Community Choice Credit Union Ballroom
6:00 p.m. | Cocktails, Food Stations & Live Music by Pianopalooza Dueling Pianos
7:30 p.m. | Program featuring Dick Vitale
9:00 p.m. | Social Hour & Pianopalooza Dueling Pianos
Rally Against Cancer is the annual fundraising event for the John Stoddard Cancer Center. Proceeds support vital programs like the Oncology Navigator Program, Charlie Cutler Healing & Wellness Program, Adolescent & Young Adult (AYA) Program, EMPOWER Salon, and the Compassion Fund. These programs are available at no cost and are only possible because of the generosity of others. Since the event began in 2000, more than $7 million has been raised.
Become a Rally Sponsor
Your support and sponsorship of Rally Against Cancer makes so much possible. Click the button below to learn about the many sponsorship opportunities available. Thank you for your support!
Questions? Email Adam Haselhuhn (adam.haselhuhn@unitypoint.org or Tristan Carman (tristan.carman@unitypoint.org).
Attend Rally Against Cancer
Are you interested in attending the 2026 Rally Against Cancer? Tickets are not on sale yet so please click the button below to complete the ticket interest form. You will receive an email notifying you when tickets go sale. Please email aimee.lane@unitypoint.org with any questions.
ESPN Icon Dick Vitale to Speak at 2026
Rally Against Cancer
Dick Vitale - affectionately known as "Dickie V" - is one of the most recognizable voices in college basketball and a passionate advocate for cancer research. A Hall of Fame broadcaster and former coach, Vitale joined ESPN during its first season in 1979 and has called over 1,ooo games. Known for his trademark energy, heartfelt enthusiasm and catchphrases like "Awesome, Baby!" he has become a beloved figure in sports for over four decades.
Off the court, Vitale has shown the same fighting spirit in his personal battle with cancer. Since 2021, he has faced for cancer diagnoses, including lymphoma, melanoma, vocal cord cancer, and most recently, cancer in a lymph node in his neck. Through multiple surgeries, radiation treatments, and unshakeable optimism, he continues to serve as an inspiration to fans and families confronting cancer.
A longtime board member of The V Foundation for Cancer Research, Vitale has raised millions through his annual gala for pediatric cancer. His tireless work has earned him the Sports Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award, the NCAA President's Gerald R. Ford Award, and induction into multiple halls of fame.
Past Rally Guests
2025: Al Roker, America's Weatherman, Bestselling Author, and Prostate Cancer Survivor
2024: Chaunté Lowe, Four-Time Olympian Author, TEDx Speaker and Breast Cancer Survivor
2023: Andre Dawson, Hall of Fame Baseball Player and Cancer Survivor
2022: Lance Armstrong, Top Ranked Cyclist and Testicular Cancer Survivor
2021: Anthony Rizzo, First Baseman for Chicago Cubs and Hodgkin's Lymphoma Survivor
2020: Dorothy Hamill, Olympic Gold Medal Skater and Breast Cancer Survivor
2019: Vince Papale, Former NFL Player and Colon Cancer Survivor.
2018: Scott Hamilton, Olympic Gold Medal Skater, Broadcaster, and Cancer Survivor
2017: Shannon Miller, Olympian, Entrepreneur and Cancer Survivor
2016: Jim Kelly, Retired Buffalo Bills quarterback and NFL Hall of Fame
2015: Mark Herzlich, New York Giants Linebacker and Cancer Survivor
2014: Mike Haynes, Former Los Angeles Raiders Defensive Back, Cancer Survivor, and NFL Hall of Fame
2013: Chris Draft, Former NFL Linebacker and Cancer Advocate
2012: Merril Hoge, Former Pittsburgh Steelers Running Back, ESPN Analyst and Cancer Survivor
2011: Chris Spielman, Former Detroit Lions Linebacker and Cancer Advocate
2010: Mike Ditka, Former Chicago Bears Tight End, Chicago Bears Coach and NFL Hall of Fame
2009: Marv Levy, Former Buffalo Bills Coach, NFL Hall of Fame and Cancer Survivor
2008: Gale Sayers, Former Chicago Bears Running Back and NFL Hall of Fame
2007: Craig Morton, Former Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos Quarterback, and Cancer Survivor
2006: Len Dawson, Former Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback, Super Bowl IV MVP, and NFL Hall of Fame
2005: Art Still, Former Kansas City Chiefs & Buffalo Bills Defensive End, and NFL Pro Bowler
2004: Marv Cook, Former University of Iowa All-American, New England Patriots tight end, and NFL All-Pro
2003: Kirk Ferentz, University of Iowa Football Coach
2002: John Keck, Former NFL Referee
Your attendance at Rally supports patients like Mayln.
