Canisius women raise funds for disease

BUFFALO, NY (WIVB) - Hall of fame basketball coach John Wooden once said, “Sports don’t build character, they reveal it.”

Allison Braun, a senior captain on the Canisius women’s basketball team, truly embodies that statement.

Over the summer the team held a summer camp, where Braun met Leah Manth. Manth is a 12-year-old girl battling Neurofibromatosis 2, a disease that causes tumors to align along nerves. Braun decided to lead her teammates in using the sport she loved to help a young girl she grew to adore.

The team created 3 For A Cure, a campaign that raises awareness and funds for Neurofibromatosis 2.  Donors can pledge a given amount of money per every three-pointer the team makes throughout the season.

In addition, the squad declared Leah an honorary member of the team, joining the team on their bench during home games and participating in an array of team activities.

For Braun and her teammates, sports became the vehicle to help Leah navigate through her every day challenges. Sports did not inspire these Griffs to take a stand, rather sport simply provided them the platform to make a positive impact on the world and others.

To donate go to www.gogriffs.com

For more information on Leah go to www.leahmanth.com