Standing Gard Against Cancer

UW–Madison men’s basketball coach Greg Gard and his wife, Michelle, created the Garding Against Cancer initiative in 2016 with a message of vital importance: cancer affects too many of us, and there’s something we can do about it. Partnering with the UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center and other organizations across Wisconsin, Garding Against Cancer raises money that remains local, funding cancer research within the state for the cures of tomorrow. More than five years later and having raised more than $5 million, the Gards’ initiative is still going strong.

Greg and Michelle have a keen understanding of what it is to lose a loved one to cancer. Greg’s father, Glen, was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme in May 2015. The medical professionals at the Carbone Cancer Center worked diligently to help Glen, but his cancer was aggressive, and he died six months later. While still grieving his father, Greg was inspired by how his new position as interim coach to the Badger men’s basketball team might also become a platform for change.

Deeply philanthropic, the Gards had previously supported cancer research, and the pain of losing Greg’s father only strengthened their personal investment. In May 2017, they hosted a Garding Against Cancer signature event at the Kohl Center. It brought in more than 600 attendees and raised more than $1 million for cancer research and patient care in Wisconsin.

Since then, the Gards have been traveling around the state, taking part in regional events, and visiting local cancer patients and their families. Grateful for the impact they are making, Greg and Michelle are clearly focused on what comes next — finding a cure. “That would be the best result,” shares Greg, “that there isn’t a need for this anymore.”

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