QUEENS, N.Y. - On the heels of a successful inaugural event last September, the Red Storm basketball programs are joining forces once again with the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF) for the second-annual "Dribble for the Cure" fundraising event on St. John's campus this September 22.

The Dribble for the Cure - a run/walk event where everyone dribbles a basketball - will take place on the St. John's University Queens campus on Saturday, Sept. 22, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Last year's Dribble for the Cure saw more than 400 participants raise a one-day total of more than $21,000. The proceeds from the annual event will once again support Dr. Mitchell S. Cairo at the PCRF Laboratory at Maria Fareri Children's Hospital at New York Medical College. A world-renowned researcher, Cairo's work has contributed to dramatically increased survival rates of childhood cancers, blood disorders and immunological diseases.

"St. John's Basketball is proud to be associated with the Dribble for the Cure event on St Johns campus. This is a special day that will both raise funds for cancer research and create greater awareness for the importance of developing a cure for pediatric cancer." said head men's basketball coach Steve Lavin. "I personally encourage our fans to come join our student-athletes and staff as we collectively support this important cause. It's going to be a memorable day of service for the community at St. John's."

"We are excited to be a part of PCRF's Dribble For The Cure Event for the second year," added Joe Tartamella, head coach of the Red Storm women. "Our community here at St. John's University embraces the opportunity to be a part of this great cause for pediatric cancer. Our players, staff and University are proud to show our support."

Companies, individuals, schools, clubs, teams and other organizations can become involved by starting a "Dribble for the Cure Team" to participate in and fundraise for the event. Additionally, PCRF is looking for companies or individuals interested in providing sponsorship or endorsement. Those interested should contact Rosanna Capalbo at rcapalbo@pcrf-kids.org for more information.

"Dribble for the Cure is not only a fundraising event, it's an awareness event," says Dr. Cairo. "It brings people in the community - particularly St. John's athletes and students - into the fold of understanding the importance of pediatric cancer research and the impact that it has not only on children today but also in the future. It also helps the University bring its students into the sphere of charity and doing public good - things that are part of the St. John's University mission."

Dribble for the Cure was created by the PCRF as a way for college and university basketball programs to help raise money for children's cancer research and to bring dollars to local medical institutions for the care and treatment of children with cancer. John Vallely, former NBA player and a two-time national champion at UCLA, is the founder and an advisor to Dribble for the Cure.

To find out more about Dribble for the Cure, including registration and pledge details and sponsorship opportunities, click here. Please note: each participant is asked to bring their own basketball.

About the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF)
PCRF was established in 1982 to improve the care, quality of life and survival rate of children with malignant diseases. Since 1982, PCRF's dedicated volunteers have raised almost $30 million for pediatric cancer research. All funds raised from the St. John's Dribble for the Cure event will go directly to support the vital research of Mitchell S. Cairo, M.D. and the PCRF Research Laboratory at Maria Fareri Children's Hospital at New York Medical College in the fight against pediatric cancer and other lethal blood disorders.

PCRF is an independent, nonprofit organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of community and business leaders, as well as parents of oncology patients. The Foundation is privately supported by donations from individuals, charitable foundations and businesses. PCRF also raises funds through sales of its holiday/everyday line of cards designed by children with cancer. A dedicated group of volunteers donate their time and talents to ensure that over 80 percent of funds raised go directly to pediatric cancer research.