Hoops for Hope at Los Osos raises close to $19,000
The hoops for hope charity basketball event in February put on by Los Osos High School has raised nearly $19,000 to be donated to City of Hope and San Antonio Community Hospital for cancer reasearch.
Inspired by Los Osos boys basketball coach David Smith, who was deemed cancer free after a second surgery on Feb. 25, and Ontario fire fighter Chip Smith, whom David Smith met as they underwent cancer treatment together, the Ontario, Chino, Upland and Rancho Cucamongs fire departments played a basketball tournament at Los Osos Feb. 20 to raise money.
Chip Smith died the night of the charity event. But not before his wife informed him that the Ontario fire department had won the Hoops for Hope tournament.
"He was in a coma, but she said a smile spread across his face," said David Smith's wife, Mary Jane. "Then about an hour later he passed away."
Since Chip Smith's passing, more donations have poured in for effort to raise awareness about taking precautions to detect cancer as early as possible. Both Chip and David Smith were diagnosed with colorectal cancer in its most advanced stage.
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About Clay
Clay Fowler has been covering high school sports for six years in California and Texas. He was born in Dallas, attended the University of Texas and worked in Central Texas before joining the Daily Bulletin staff in 2006.
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It was an amazing event to attend and volunteer. I was fortunate to get to know Chip's mom and share with her stories of faith and hope. Smith's family is truely amazing. The next Hoops for Hope is scheduled for March 12, 2010 at Los Osos High School. Be sure to attend.