A battalion chief in Ontario, Calif., is fighting for his life in the battle against colorectal cancer, and he’s doing something to help make a difference for everyone fighting the disease.

Richard “Chip” Smith, a battalion chief with the Ontario (Calif.) Fire Department, met David Smith, the head boys basketball coach and teacher at Los Osos High School in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., in the spring of 2009, after both men were diagnosed with stage 4 metastasis cancer. They soon developed a friendship and a desire to worth together in the fight against colorectal cancer.

Then men developed Hoops for HOPE, a charity basketball game played between firefighters. The entire fundraising event includes a three-game tournament, a silent auction, raffle, and T-shirt and food sales.

All proceeds from Hoops for HOPE will benefit The City of Hope Cancer Research Hospital in Duarte, Calif., and the newly created San Antonio Community Hospital Cancer Education Center in Upland, Calif.

If you live in the area, please consider checking out the event on Feb. 20 at the Los Osos High School gym. Tickets are $10 each. For the folks who don’t live in the area, please consider donating online at www.hoopsforhope.info.

Donations can also be sent to:
RCFFA/Hoops for HOPE
P.O. Box 8491
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91701

If your company would like to contribute business donations for raffle prizes, silent auction items or event supplies, please contact Mary Jane Smith at smithmje@aol.com.

Game Information
Game 1: Upland FD vs. Rancho Cucamonga FD
Game 2: Chino Valley FD vs. Ontario FD
Game 3: Winners of Game 1 and 2