St. John's University Athletics
Quotes: 2024 Dribble for Victory Over Cancer
Executive Director of the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation Jeri Wilson, Dr. Mitchell Cairo, St. John’s Women’s Basketball Head Coach Joe Tartamella and Men’s Basketball Sophomore Simeon Wilcher made remarks at St. John’s 14th annual Dribble for Victory Over Cancer
Executive Director of The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation Jeri Wilson
On the impact of today’s event…
“St. John’s University is just a spectacular place to be, and I want to thank all of you guys; volunteers, athletes, cheer team and band, for making this part of your University’s Service Day. When you look around at some of these kids, these families know you are all here today for them, and that means so much to them to know someone out there is wanting to help them and give them some support. I am incredibly grateful for everyone at St. John’s.”
On the need for fundraising for pediatric cancer research…
“Pediatric cancer research is incredibly underfunded, they get less than 4% of government money, so without every single one of you here and all those individuals who support this event, we wouldn’t be able to raise the much-needed funds for research.”
Dr. Mitchell Cairo, Chief of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation at New York Medical College
On St. John’s focus on public service…
“I’m impressed every year with the public service and volunteerism that is always demonstrated here at St. John’s University. Whenever I am out in the community, I always remind everyone that if you want your child to be educated and feel the public service send them to St. John’s. I can’t think of a better university that displays and teaches their students public service and you see it here today.”
St John’s Women’s Basketball Coach Joe Tartamella
On the experience of hosting the Dribble for Victory Over Cancer Events…
“I’ve been here for 14 years and I was here at the inception of this event with Coach [Steve Lavin] and I can tell you as a person and for our program, it has been one of the most rewarding things we have been a part of in my time here.”
On how this event matches St. John’s mission…
“We talk about helping those in need as a part of our ascension mission and this goes straight in line with that end even beyond. There is nothing that can make you smile more than watching those help young children who are in need of it. This disease is probably something that has touched all of our families in some way, but when you see it affecting children, especially as a parent, you feel even better about what we are doing here. I can’t thank you all enough for being here.”
St John’s Men’s Basketball Sophomore Simeon Wilcher
On what this event means to him…
“I am happy to be a part of this. ... People in my family have been affected by cancer and it is definitely something that will take a toll on you but seeing people able to fight through it and doctors being able to breakthrough with medicine for cancer patients to get better – it’s something great to be a part of. I can say I am happy to be here.”
On the impact of today’s event…
“St. John’s University is just a spectacular place to be, and I want to thank all of you guys; volunteers, athletes, cheer team and band, for making this part of your University’s Service Day. When you look around at some of these kids, these families know you are all here today for them, and that means so much to them to know someone out there is wanting to help them and give them some support. I am incredibly grateful for everyone at St. John’s.”
On the need for fundraising for pediatric cancer research…
“Pediatric cancer research is incredibly underfunded, they get less than 4% of government money, so without every single one of you here and all those individuals who support this event, we wouldn’t be able to raise the much-needed funds for research.”
Dr. Mitchell Cairo, Chief of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation at New York Medical College
On St. John’s focus on public service…
“I’m impressed every year with the public service and volunteerism that is always demonstrated here at St. John’s University. Whenever I am out in the community, I always remind everyone that if you want your child to be educated and feel the public service send them to St. John’s. I can’t think of a better university that displays and teaches their students public service and you see it here today.”
St John’s Women’s Basketball Coach Joe Tartamella
On the experience of hosting the Dribble for Victory Over Cancer Events…
“I’ve been here for 14 years and I was here at the inception of this event with Coach [Steve Lavin] and I can tell you as a person and for our program, it has been one of the most rewarding things we have been a part of in my time here.”
On how this event matches St. John’s mission…
“We talk about helping those in need as a part of our ascension mission and this goes straight in line with that end even beyond. There is nothing that can make you smile more than watching those help young children who are in need of it. This disease is probably something that has touched all of our families in some way, but when you see it affecting children, especially as a parent, you feel even better about what we are doing here. I can’t thank you all enough for being here.”
St John’s Men’s Basketball Sophomore Simeon Wilcher
On what this event means to him…
“I am happy to be a part of this. ... People in my family have been affected by cancer and it is definitely something that will take a toll on you but seeing people able to fight through it and doctors being able to breakthrough with medicine for cancer patients to get better – it’s something great to be a part of. I can say I am happy to be here.”