I've been a Detroit Pistons fan all of my life and noticed that the current head coach, Dwane Casey is always seen on the sidelines wearing his St. Jude lapel pin. I had to find out more. He also graduated from Union County High School and played for the Kentucky Wildcats.

Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
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The name Dwane Casey may sound familiar to Kentucky Wildcats fans. He not only played for the team, but was a top recruit and help guide UK to an NCAA Tournament Championship in the 77-78 season. After a stint as an assistant coach at Kentucky, Casey went on to coach various teams in the NBA. He was the assistant coach for the Dallas Mavericks when they won their first NBA Championship in 2011. Casey earned himself a head coaching job with the Toronto Raptors and celebrated 300 wins as a their head coach. In 2018, he became the head coach of my Detroit Pistons.

No matter where Casey has coached, he can always be spotted with his St. Jude lapel pin on the sidelines. Always. So, I decided to do some research to find out why he doesn't leave home without it. I didn't have to look far to find out why.

Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images
Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images
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Just yesterday, WXYZ-TV Channel 7 out of Detroit, interviewed Dwane Casey. He shared why St. Jude Research Hospital means so much to his family.

When I was a little boy my grand father used to send money each month to a hospital in Tennessee and I never knew,” Pistons head coach Dwane Casey said as he fought back tears. “I never knew who he was sending money to until I got older.”

Every opportunity I’ve had to come here and be apart and bring a team here to see kids and see families, see what they’re going through, it’s been a lot, so my heart and soul is with St. Jude,” Casey added.

Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
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You can help in the fight against childhood cancer too. Join us during the WBKR St. Jude Radiothon and become a Partner-in-Hope.

The number to call, beginning Thursday, February 6th at 6am, is 1-800-201-8883.  Or you can text WBKR to 626262. The WBKR/Window World St. Jude Radiothon runs through 7pm, Friday, February 7th.

Becoming a St. Jude partner is easy.  It's $20 per month for 12 months on a credit or debit card.  You can also text WBKR to 626262, then click the link to become a Partner-in-Hope!

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SOURCE: Wikipedia

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