Family plans basketball game to 'Knockout Cancer'
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

David Grano and his son, Alexander, 9, gear up for the "Knockout Cancer" basketball tournament they have planned for June 2 at 36 Summershade Court. Alexander created the idea to raise money to help more cancer patients become survivors like his dad. Photo by Jim Smerecak Purchase color photos at www.BeeNews.com

Even though Alexander Grano wasn't born when his father David beat cancer, he is working to make sure thousands of children, like him, will have the same opportunity he has had to play with his dad.

The Grano family is planning a "Knockout Cancer" basketball tournament in their backyard. The family enjoys playing basketball in their backyard, including mom, Jackie, and Jonathan, 6. David is also a coach for Amherst Youth Basketball.

It was Alexander, 9, who came up with the idea to hold a tournament to raise money for Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

"One day I was in the car with my mom and we were talking about disease … and I thought how I like basketball and thought how I could have a knockout tournament to raise money for cancer research," Alexander said.

David is a 24-year survivor, beating the disease prior to meeting Jackie and starting their family. Jackie said as a survivor David looks forward to promoting the success of survivors.

"We say, 'Without him there would be no me,' about the kids," Jackie said about the team's unofficial motto.

Alexander said he hopes that his efforts will one day put a lot more people in the same category as his dad.

"I hope the money will one day find a cure for cancer so people stop dying," he said, taking a break from shooting baskets with his dad.

The Grabo family has been active fundraisers during the Ride for Roswell bike ride for the past three years. They will once again be riding in this year's event on June 23. Together, with a team of friends and family, and the support of the boys' schools and professional colleagues, they have raised $12,000 for Roswell.

Alexander has been the top youth fundraiser for the WNY Ride for Roswell for the past two years.

This year they wanted to do more so they are planning the "Knockout Cancer" tournament from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 2 at 36 Summershade Court where a SnapSports basketball court was installed recently.

The tournament gives every participant ages 5 to 12 the opportunity to play one 30-minute game of knockout basketball.

The Grabos hope to have 200 youths sign up. In addition to having fun, Jackie said, many prizes will be awarded. Those include basketball camp scholarships to several college-run camps, a Dunkstar Hoop, items from the Harlem Globetrotters, NBA and NCAA.

"It'll be really fun … and you get a bracelet," Alexander said with a smile. The family has been handing out orange "Knockout Cancer" bracelets to promote their event.

To sign up, visit www.rideforroswell. org under "Pedal Pals," and then click on Knockout Cancer Basketball Tournament. Register by May 20 to secure a spot.