Chicago, October 2, 2025 – In an emotional and deeply personal moment that resonated throughout the basketball world, WNBA star Courtney Vandersloot actively participated in fundraising events, including the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) Walk/Run in Chicago, to raise awareness for multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. Vandersloot, who publicly revealed her own battle with the disease in 2022, delivered a message of solidarity and hope, declaring, “I understand what people are going through because I’ve been there myself.”
Her presence at the event carried powerful symbolism. A four-time WNBA All-Star and one of the league’s most respected point guards, Vandersloot has long been admired for her resilience and leadership on the court. But her involvement in cancer awareness efforts showcased a different kind of strength—one rooted in empathy, vulnerability, and a determination to use her platform for good. “I will do everything I can to help people live their best lives; no one should have to fight alone,” she told participants, drawing loud applause from survivors, families, and supporters lining the Chicago lakefront.
The MMRF Walk/Run, which annually draws thousands of participants nationwide, is one of the most visible fundraising efforts in the fight against multiple myeloma. Vandersloot’s participation amplified the event’s impact, with organizers noting a significant uptick in both media coverage and donations following her involvement. “When someone of Courtney’s stature not only shows up but shares her personal story, it changes the conversation,” said MMRF spokesperson Linda Rodriguez. “It reminds people that this disease is not abstract—it affects real lives, including those of our heroes.”
Multiple myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells in the blood, remains incurable, though treatment advances in recent years have extended life expectancy and improved quality of life for many patients. By stepping forward to share her own journey, Vandersloot has become one of the most high-profile athletes to spotlight the illness, joining a growing number of sports figures who use their platforms to advocate for health awareness and medical research.
The Chicago event was marked not only by fundraising goals but also by moments of community connection. Vandersloot walked alongside patients and families, stopping to listen to their stories and encouraging those currently in treatment. Photos of her interacting with fans, signing jerseys, and embracing survivors quickly spread across social media, with hashtags like #SlootStrong and #MMRFWalkRun trending among WNBA fans and cancer advocacy circles.
Reaction from the basketball community was immediate. Fellow players, coaches, and teams expressed their admiration across platforms. The WNBA issued a statement praising Vandersloot’s “remarkable courage and compassion,” highlighting her as a role model for athletes and fans alike. Former teammates and rivals echoed similar sentiments, many calling her involvement “inspiring” and “a reminder that the fight extends beyond the court.”
Vandersloot’s advocacy also speaks to a larger cultural shift within professional sports, where athletes are increasingly leveraging their visibility to champion causes close to their hearts. For Vandersloot, the mission is both personal and universal. “Basketball has given me a voice, but this fight is bigger than the game,” she said. “If sharing my story helps even one person feel less alone, then it’s worth everything.”
As fundraising totals from the Chicago event continue to rise, organizers say they plan to build on the momentum created by Vandersloot’s involvement. Meanwhile, fans and fellow athletes continue to rally behind her, transforming her message into a collective call to action.
For Courtney Vandersloot, whose career has been defined by unselfish play and the ability to lift up those around her, the fight against multiple myeloma represents another chapter in her legacy—a legacy not only measured in assists and victories, but also in lives touched and hope renewed.
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