Community Rallies to “Smash Cancer!” with Carilion Clinic and Performance Pickleball ROA
Nearly 100 players came together to raise more than $10,000 toward the Carilion Taubman Cancer Center
Nearly 100 players came together on Saturday, Nov. 8, for Smashing Cancer!, a pickleball tournament hosted by Performance Pickleball ROA in partnership with Carilion Clinic. The event raised more than $10,000 to benefit the new Carilion Taubman Cancer Center. 
The tournament filled Performance Pickleball’s courts as players of all levels and ages competed, connected and contributed to a cause that touches countless lives across the region.
“Supporting our community through events like Smashing Cancer! is what Performance Pickleball is all about,” said MacKenzie Cassady, general manager at Performance Pickleball ROA. “Seeing players from our community come together with such energy and purpose to support Carilion Clinic’s cancer care efforts was truly inspiring. It’s a powerful reminder of how sports can unite us for something bigger than ourselves.”
Proceeds from the event will advance Carilion’s commitment to providing world-class cancer care in Southwest Virginia, supporting expanded treatment options, leading-edge technologies and the compassionate care patients rely on close to home.
“Events like this make a real difference for our patients, helping us provide them with the best cancer care possible,” said Lindsay Collins, vice president of oncology services at Carilion. “We’re so grateful to Performance Pickleball and everyone who came out today to support such an important cause.”
The day concluded with 48 medalists recognized across 8 divisions and plenty of smiles among players and spectators alike.
“We started Smashing Cancer! because we wanted to use pickleball to make a real difference,” said Jon Laasar, cofounder of Performance Pickleball ROA. “It’s incredible to see the Roanoke community rally behind a cause that impacts so many.”
To learn more about Carilion’s work to expand sophisticated cancer care close to home for Southwest Virginia, visit CarilionFoundation.org.