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'Cason Cares' about cancer
UA football star sells wristbands to fight disease
By: Mike Ritter
Issue date: 10/11/07 Section: News
Arizona football player Antoine Cason has never been shy about being a role model in the local community.
Now he's taking that part to a new level, raising money for the American Cancer Society in memory of his role model.
Cason lost his grandfather, Royce Rambo, to myelodysplastic syndrome, a form of leukemia, on Feb. 6.
In his honor, the senior has launched the "Cason Cares" fundraiser with former teammate Matt Brooks, who also is paying tribute to three family members lost to cancer.
"The reason why I wanted to do this is just because he's been so influential in my life," Cason said of his grandfather. "He's done everything for our family with no complaints.
"It's just something to show my appreciation, even though he can't see it. It just makes me feel better."
Cason, a political science senior, and Brooks, a journalism senior and former quarterback, have been selling wristbands with the slogan "Cason Cares" around campus - at tailgates and at the McKale Center Ticket Office.
Last week, Shawn Marion of the Phoenix Suns and general manager Steve Kerr were wearing the bands during their preseason workouts in McKale. Kerr even grabbed a bag of them to distribute in Phoenix.
"They were real supportive of it," Cason said. "That makes me feel great to see that from people like that because they're influential in their cities, towns, everywhere. They're people's role models. To help me with that is great.
"I just want to show a greater appreciation for something that we can't control all the time," he added. "It's just a humbling experience to see how it's going."
The two students started the campaign in June but had the idea of doing it last year. When the idea came up, Brooks agreed to direct the campaign because he understood what Cason went through in losing someone to cancer.
"I saw him really upset, almost to the point of tears," Brooks said. "I shared my experience. He said he really wished he could do something."
Now he's taking that part to a new level, raising money for the American Cancer Society in memory of his role model.
Cason lost his grandfather, Royce Rambo, to myelodysplastic syndrome, a form of leukemia, on Feb. 6.
In his honor, the senior has launched the "Cason Cares" fundraiser with former teammate Matt Brooks, who also is paying tribute to three family members lost to cancer.
"The reason why I wanted to do this is just because he's been so influential in my life," Cason said of his grandfather. "He's done everything for our family with no complaints.
"It's just something to show my appreciation, even though he can't see it. It just makes me feel better."
Cason, a political science senior, and Brooks, a journalism senior and former quarterback, have been selling wristbands with the slogan "Cason Cares" around campus - at tailgates and at the McKale Center Ticket Office.
Last week, Shawn Marion of the Phoenix Suns and general manager Steve Kerr were wearing the bands during their preseason workouts in McKale. Kerr even grabbed a bag of them to distribute in Phoenix.
"They were real supportive of it," Cason said. "That makes me feel great to see that from people like that because they're influential in their cities, towns, everywhere. They're people's role models. To help me with that is great.
"I just want to show a greater appreciation for something that we can't control all the time," he added. "It's just a humbling experience to see how it's going."
The two students started the campaign in June but had the idea of doing it last year. When the idea came up, Brooks agreed to direct the campaign because he understood what Cason went through in losing someone to cancer.
"I saw him really upset, almost to the point of tears," Brooks said. "I shared my experience. He said he really wished he could do something."
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Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Milford R. Woodson
posted 12/06/07 @ 5:43 PM PST
What a great story and a great cornerback. This young gentleman is going to go far...the NFL and beyond!
Chad Gonchoff
posted 12/07/07 @ 11:46 AM PST
I also lost someone to cancer. Both of my grandfathers passed away from cancer. I miss them alot they were my best friends, we did everything together. (Continued…)
Frank Morand
posted 12/18/07 @ 11:00 AM PST
I was wondering if anybody knew how I could get a "Cason Cares" bracelet and also make a donation to the campaign. Thanks.
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