New ​'Cancer Can't Compete' effort raises money for research, patients and families

The University of Chicago Medicine is partnering with World Champion first baseman Anthony Rizzo, the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation, Mariano’s and the Chicago Tribune in a campaign to raise money for cancer research and support for children and families who are fighting the disease.

Proceeds from the multifaceted campaign, called Cancer Can’t Compete, will be split evenly between UChicago Medicine's Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Rizzo Family Foundation.

The campaign was formally announced during a news conference July 24.

“We are proud to partner with Rizzo, his foundation, Mariano’s and the Tribune to help raise funds and awareness about the need for cancer research,” said Kenneth S. Polonsky, MD, dean and executive vice for medical affairs at the University of Chicago.

Rizzo was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma at age 18. The cancer went into remission after six months of chemotherapy, and Rizzo was able to pursue his baseball career. Remembering how difficult the fight against lymphoma was not just for him but also for his family, he established the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation in 2012 to raise money for cancer research and help families during a difficult time.

“I believe that an individual does not battle cancer, but rather the whole family does,” said Rizzo. “When I was told in 2008 that I was in remission, I knew I wanted to become a role model to help cancer patients and their families. This campaign is an initiative that our whole City can get behind to lend support to families everywhere fighting cancer.”

The campaign includes advertisements highlighting UChicago Medicine’s work will be featured each week through the World Series. Other components include digital marketing and web content. Mariano’s shoppers will have the opportunity to contribute in-store donations, continuing its ongoing fundraising relationship with the grocer.

To view videos and stories, and to make donations to the campaign, visit the Tribune’s Cancer Can’t Compete website, cancercantcompete.org, or visit the UChicago Medicine landing page at uchicagomedicine.org/cancercantcompete.

Cancer Can't Compete

Cancer survivor Anthony Rizzo is teaming up with the Chicago Tribune, along with the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation, Mariano’s and the University of Chicago Medicine, in a campaign to raise money for cancer research and support for families as they fight cancer together.

Cancer Can't Compete