Rutgers Launches Rutgers Tough Cancer Fundraiser
The campaign, inspired by men's basketball coach Steve Pikiell's cancer diagnosis, raises money for RWJBarnabas Health cancer treatment and patient care.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Philanthropy
Rutgers Athletics has launched the Rutgers Tough fundraising campaign to support cancer treatment and patient care through RWJBarnabas Health. The effort was inspired by men's basketball head coach Steve Pikiell and his wife, Kate, after he announced a cancer diagnosis on September 9.
Why it matters
The campaign aims to help people without healthcare who need cancer medicine, drawing on the Rutgers community after the coach's diagnosis. Donations can also support cancer research through a fund with the Rutgers Cancer Institute.
Limited-edition Rutgers Tough T-shirts sell for $30 at Jersey Mike's Arena, with all proceeds going to RWJBarnabas Health during the first three games of the season. No total amount raised by the campaign has been reported yet.
The players
Steve Pikiell
Steve Pikiell is the head men's basketball coach at Rutgers, now in his 11th year leading the Scarlet Knights, and he continues treatment after surgery.
RWJBarnabas Health
RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey's largest integrated health care delivery system, and it receives all proceeds from the Rutgers Tough T-shirt sales.
Rutgers Cancer Institute
The Rutgers Cancer Institute is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in New Jersey and hosts a fund for cancer research donations.
The details
Rutgers Athletics launched the campaign, with former Rutgers players recording messages of support for a release video. Fans can buy the limited-edition shirt at Jersey Mike's Arena or contribute through the Rutgers Tough initiative website.
Timeline
September 9: Steve Pikiell announces his cancer diagnosis.
Friday, Nov. 6, 7 p.m.: First home game with T-shirt sales, against New Haven.
Tuesday, Nov. 10, 6:30 p.m.: Second home game with T-shirt sales, against NJIT.
Friday, Nov. 13, 6 p.m.: Third home game with T-shirt sales, against Bryant.
Philanthropy Landscape
The campaign follows a pattern in which college athletic programs use team merchandise and game-day sales to fund cancer care after a coach's personal health crisis. It channels proceeds toward a health system and a designated cancer center rather than a general athletic fund.
Fans who buy the $30 shirt at the first three home games directly fund RWJBarnabas Health cancer care without any cost beyond the purchase. Donations toward cancer research can also be made through the Rutgers Cancer Institute fund.
The takeaway
Supporting local institutions is one practical way to help patients who need cancer care, whether through merchandise purchases or direct donations. Small contributions at a single game can add up when a whole community participates.
What happens next
Rutgers home games on Nov. 6, Nov. 10 and Nov. 13 will offer the limited-edition T-shirt for sale at Jersey Mike's Arena.
Further reading
Explore more on Philanthropy to see how other local causes are funded.
