Phoenix lung cancer event hits close to home for former NFL player Hank Baskett
Feb 7, 2014, 10:28 AM | Updated: 10:28 am
PHOENIX — Former NFL player Hank Baskett III is partnering with a local foundation to host a lung cancer walk and 5K race Sunday.
Money raised at the Feb. 9 event will go towards the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation, which is also helping to put on the event at Papago Park near the Phoenix Zoo. Race time is 9 a.m.
Baskett said raising money is great, but that’s not his main goal.
“The biggest thing is that we create awareness,” Baskett said. “By having those people come out, join my team and walk beside me, that allows them to go back and tell their friends. It’s just a snowball effect. One turns into two, two turns into for and so forth.”
Baskett’s father is fighting lung cancer. He said that the foundation has played a major part in that fight.
“It’s been a tremendous blessing. Without their help, I don’t know if my dad would be here today,” Baskett said. “Their team of doctors and team of oncologists is amazing at what they do and is amazing at getting people help.”
Baskett, who appears with his wife Kendra Wilkinson on the reality show “Kendra on Top,” has formed his own team for the race and joining Care Basketts is open to the public.
To show his appreciation for those who participate in the race, Baskett will meet with fans, sign autographs and make himself available for photos at Salut Kitchen Bar in Tempe on Saturday night.
He’ll also do the same for a few hours after the race.
Baskett played four seasons in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings and the Philadelphia Eagles.
