GREENSBORO, N.C. — A Greensboro native has raised more than $15,000 for cancer research through charity flag football games. This Saturday, 'Pigskin For Hodgkins' expects dozens to turn out for their annual fundraiser.
Hampton Billips is grateful for his sister's life. In Oct. 2018, Karly Billips rang the bell at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital, signaling the end of her Hodgkin's Lymphoma cancer treatments.
Since then, Hampton has worked to aid the organizations that helped Karly. The money he's raised is distributed evenly to Emily's Kids, Art for Life and Make-A-Wish.
Why it matters: Hodgkin's Lymphoma is a rare white blood cell disease that affects nearly 9,000 people in the United States every year. Researchers are getting closer to a widespread cure, with some scientists thinking the answer could be found in a vaccine of sorts, according to cancer.gov.
Event Details: The 'Pigskin For Hodgkins' event will take place at Old Oak Ridge Town Park on Saturday, Mar. 27. Gates will open at 11 a.m., with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. There will be food, silent auctions and raffles all going to support the 'Pigskin For Hodgkins' fundraiser.
The event was previously held at Northwest Guilford High School.
Hampton, a former athlete at NC State, says multiple former college and professional athletes will participate in the flag football game.
- "I think my team will find a way to win this year. But winning really means for everyone to come out and enjoy this awesome fundraiser. We've set some goals, hopefully, we can achieve them. We want to give as much money as we can to the families that are battling childhood cancer and to fund Hodgkin's Lymphoma research." - Hampton Billips.
Background: Hampton decided to act on his fundraising idea shortly after Karly's last treatment. He began making phone calls, rallying support from friends and family. The fundraiser has raised more than $15,000 so far, but was forced to call off last year's charity game due to COVID-19. This year, the game meets local coronavirus safety guidelines.
They said it:
- "It's always shocking, even though I know how many people I know I have people in my life who love and support me, to see how many people actually come out for the game. That's been really exciting." - Karly Billips
- "Cancer will drag you through the mud, and drag your family through the mud. It is some of the darkest times that any family can witness and experience. It makes you question everything." - Hampton Billips
- "I am a proud big brother. What I admire most about [Karly] is her heart. She has such a heart for other people." - Hampton Billips
Karly, on what she would like to say to Hampton for his efforts organizing the fundraiser:
