Thanks to the generosity of the Detroit Pistons, the Pistons-Palace Foundation and fans, the 2009-2010 home opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder raised $20,000 for breast cancer research at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute.



The promotion “Let’s Go To Work For A Cure” highlighted National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the importance of breast cancer screening and early detection, and raised funds that were matched by the Pistons-Palace Foundation.



A presentation took place during the halftime celebration honoring breast cancer survivors. Approximately 150 breast cancer survivors gathered on the court in special pink t-shirts. They were joined by Karmanos Cancer Institute board member and breast cancer survivor Lillian Erdeljan and her granddaughter Rachel London who accepted the check on behalf of Karmanos.


Lillian Erdeljan with her granddaughter Rachel London and breast cancer survivors for halftime tribute.

Vivian Linke and Judy Ballard, Karmanos employees at the Walt Breast Center, took part in the halftime celebration.

The home opener kicked off the Pistons Charitable Series which will support a different charitable cause each month.


Tom Wilson, president and CEO of the Detroit Pistons during an early morning interview with Allan Lee of FOX 2.

“We know these are tough times for many and our Charitable Series is a way to thank our fans, support wonderful organizations and engage the community to give back,” said Tom Wilson, president and CEO, Detroit Pistons. “We’re thrilled to partner with the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer institute and hope that this donation will make an impact on the reputable breast cancer research being conducted at Karmanos.”


Patricia Ellis of Karmanos and Mark Champion, Pistons color commentator, joined FOX 2s Allan Lee an early morning interview.

The home opener promotion included interviews with several broadcast and print media and encouraged the community’s participation. Breast cancer survivors attended the game for free and received a survivor t-shirt. Friends and family could purchase discounted tickets with $5 - $10 coming back to Karmanos. The entire Palace of Auburn Hills was decked out in pink, including staff, players, coaches and even media covering the game.


Maureen Keenan Meldrum shares an interview with Pistons commentators Rick Mahorn and Mark Champion during halftime.

“We are very grateful for the incredible support of the Detroit Pistons and the metropolitan Detroit community,” said Nick Karmanos, vice president of Development, Karmanos Cancer Institute. “When we all pull together we can make a huge impact to educate people about cancer screening and early detection to help save lives. We applaud the Detroit Pistons for its exemplary commitment to honor breast cancer survivors and engage our community to support cancer research.”

Click here to read an interview regarding breast cancer research progress featuring Stephen Ethier, Ph.D., on Pistons.com.

For more information on cancer services or to help get involved, call 1-800-KARMANOS or go to www.karmanos.org.