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Oladipo Donates $15K from NBA Slam Dunk Contest to Florida Hospital Cancer Institute

Josh Cohen
Digital News Manager

By Josh Cohen

March 26, 2015

ORLANDO -- When he showcased his athleticism and creativity in the slam dunk contest last month at NBA All-Star Weekend, Victor Oladipo was doing much more than entertaining fans.

He was on a mission to save lives.

Oladipo decided before the dunk competition took place that he would donate a portion of his prize money to fight cancer. And since finishing runner-up in the contest, the second-year Orlando Magic guard has done just that.

On Thursday, Oladipo donated $15,000 to the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute to combat breast cancer. Prior to this contribution, he had presented checks to Indiana University’s Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center and the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

“It’s been a great experience to be able to give back, especially here in Florida,” Oladipo said. “I felt like I should give my proceeds to (fight) cancer. I’m fortunate enough to save lives. I’m not in the lab doing research but I can help with the research with the money I was given.”

In addition to his generous gift to Florida Hospital, Oladipo spent time with children of breast cancer patients. He joined author Jen-Ai Childress in the reading of two books that she wrote to inspire and encourage these kids. Oladipo also participated in activities with them, including face painting, coloring and balloon art.

“I feel like they (children of cancer patients) are just as important as kids who do have cancer,” he said. “It’s just as much of a burden as it is for their parents, for kids to see their mommy or daddy go through that. I’m trying to give back to them because they are also in a tough position.”

Oladipo’s contributions are tied to “Dunk Cancer,” a social media fundraiser created to help bring awareness to trying to find a cure for cancer.

Starting back when he was in the eighth grade, Oladipo knew he wanted to try and find ways to fight cancer. His basketball coach at that time died of cancer and ever since then he has put extra emphasis on spreading the awareness of the disease.

“It was my first funeral,” he said. “It was a crazy experience for me but I knew I wanted to help. The first thing I thought of (when invited to participate in dunk contest) was cancer and giving back.”