On Saturday, Jan. 31, Kaneland High School hosted its 12th annual Hoops for a Cure shootout. This daylong basketball event raises money to support individuals undergoing cancer treatment. All proceeds from the game admissions, a silent auction, shirt sales and donations go directly to recipients.
This year’s recipients were an anonymous Kaneland High School staff member and Linda Kelley, who retired from the Kaneland athletic office in 2012.
The event began during the 2014 season when former head varsity girls basketball coach Ernie Colombe, who is the current head varsity boys basketball coach, invited teams to participate in a shootout to raise awareness and funds for families affected by cancer. Years later, the shootout was renamed in honor of Kristina M. Colombe, his wife, who passed away from cancer. The shootout now honors Kristina’s memory by raising money for individuals currently battling the disease. The shootout has raised cancer awareness and led to donations of over $60,000 to local families.
“I don’t know what it’s like to have cancer, but I know what it’s like to be impacted by it, and it’s a devastating disease,” Colombe said. “So we’re just trying to help people, and hopefully, just make people aware.”
As this shootout continues, it’s essential for others to know about the hardships one faces going through cancer.
Kelley was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last July. She caught it early by being proactive about her health. One message she shares with others is simple: “Listen to your body.”
Kelley completed three months of chemotherapy followed by an intense surgery. Each day varies between good and bad. She is now undergoing another three months of chemo, which compromises her immune system. Because of this, she must avoid crowded environments and reduce the risk of illness that could delay her treatment.
Kelley has known Colombe for many years and said she felt honored to be selected as a recipient.
“It will really help me out financially with some of my drug expenses that insurance doesn’t help much with,” Kelley said.
Kelley also expressed appreciation for the purpose behind the event.
“I think it’s a great cause that Coach Colombe started in honor of his wife who lost her battle, so others may continue to fight,” Kelley said.
Recipients use the donations in different ways. Some put the money towards helping with medical bills. Others use it to create positive experiences during a difficult time. Either way, the support eases financial stress and provides a degree of comfort.
Last year’s recipient was CTE teacher Kirstin Murphy. Her husband passed away from cancer in 2024. By the time of last year’s shootout, she was a single mom to two boys and was learning how to navigate life without her husband. The donation helped her pay outstanding bills and send one of her sons to summer camp for sports.
“My boys were very grateful as well,” Murphy said. “It was just really nice to feel the love and support from the school and community.”
This year’s silent auction raised $5,515. Items included skydiving passes, admissions to Kaneland summer camps, parking passes for next school year, golf outings, concert tickets, University of Illinois basketball and football game tickets, Blackhawks and Cubs tickets and signed sports memorabilia.
Hoops for a Cure continues to bring the Kaneland community together to support those facing cancer. For many families, the event provides relief, encouragement and a reminder that they are not alone during this time.
