Join us as we raise funds for the American Cancer Society and save more lives! Over the last 25 years, the Coaches vs. Cancer program with University of Notre Dame men’s basketball has raised over $6 million for the American Cancer Society.
A Celebration of Hope, hosted by Coach Shrewsberry, encompasses the two signature events that Coach and the American Cancer Society host every year in August – Night of the Stars and the Coaches vs. Cancer Golf Classic. In 2026, the Coaches vs. Cancer Golf Classic and Night of the Stars events raised an astounding $500,000!
Thank you to everyone who continued the fight against cancer.
In 2027, we will kick-off the celebration on Monday, July 19 with Night of the Stars at the Four Winds Casino Hotel in South Bend. This event honors four extraordinary individuals who are making significant contributions to the fight against cancer. Guests of this event will enjoy a delicious meal prepared by the talented culinary team at Four Winds Casino, an open bar, a carefully-curated auction including one-of-a-kind items, and a program that promises to inspire.
Then, on Tuesday, July 20, we will complete our CvC experience with the Coaches vs. Cancer Golf Classic at a new and exciting venue, Warren Golf Course on the campus of the University of Notre Dame. Our foursomes will have an unparalleled golf experience on the links, including shopping in a player gift suite, lunch, on-course games, culinary treats and player giveaways.
To learn more about Coach Shrewsberry’s Coaches vs. Cancer initiative, please contact American Cancer Society staff partner Jessica McCrea, or Event Chairperson Rick Peltz.
Micah Shrewsberry enters his fourth season as head coach of the University of Notre Dame men’s basketball program, bringing a wealth of experience and a proven track record of developing successful teams. Since arriving in South Bend in 2023, Shrewsberry has focused on building a strong team culture, developing young talent, and elevating the program. His efforts have included securing Notre Dame’s highest-rated recruiting class in the modern era, a consensus top-10 class in 2025.
Prior to Notre Dame, Shrewsberry led a remarkable turnaround at Penn State, guiding the Nittany Lions to a 23-win season and NCAA Tournament appearance in 2023. His impressive coaching career also includes two stints at Purdue University, six seasons as an assistant coach with the NBA’s Boston Celtics, and time at Butler University, where he helped lead the Bulldogs to back-to-back NCAA National Championship appearances in 2010 and 2011. He also earned gold medals as an assistant coach with USA Basketball’s U18 and U19 national teams.
An Indianapolis-area native, Shrewsberry earned his bachelor’s degree from Hanover College and master’s degree from Indiana State University. He and his wife, Molly, have four children: Braeden, Nicholas, Caitlin, and Grace.
Leadership
A lifelong South Bend resident, Rick Peltz has deep roots in the community and a longstanding passion for giving back. A graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Construction Management, Rick is the retired owner of Peltz Services and Facilities Management.
An avid University of Notre Dame sports fan, Rick has combined his love for the Fighting Irish with his commitment to making a difference. For the past 16 years, he has served as Chairperson of the Coaches vs. Cancer Celebration of Hope events, held in partnership with the University of Notre Dame Men’s Basketball program and the American Cancer Society. Through his dedicated leadership, Rick has played an instrumental role in the continued success of these signature fundraising events, helping advance the fight against cancer and bringing hope to countless individuals and families.
Rick’s unwavering commitment to his community, generous spirit, and passion for the mission of the American Cancer Society have made him an invaluable leader in the Coaches vs. Cancer program.
Leadership
American Cancer Society Hope Lodge® communities offer a home away from home for people facing cancer and their caregivers when cancer treatment is far away. Our 30+ Hope Lodge communities provide a free place to stay during treatment so people with cancer can focus on getting better. These communities provide comfortable guest suites with private baths, as well as inviting spaces with all the comforts of home, including a communal kitchen, dining area, laundry rooms, and places to gather or find a quiet respite – all at no cost to guests.
Hope Lodge guests don’t just find a place to stay – they find a community of support and an emotional connection with others facing the same journey.
Learn MoreFor more than 10 decades, the American Cancer Society has been dedicated to pursuing better outcomes for every cancer, every life. Today, more people are surviving cancer than ever before, but there is still work to be done. Join us, support us, and help us end cancer as we know it, for everyone.
towards cancer research
winning scientists received research funding
through all patient support initiatives in 2024
