Fundraiser in support of the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Patient Care Fund

Since 2000, the New Mexico state legislature has put aside politics to play basketball during the final days of the legislative session. Instead of dividing along party lines, the legislature divides into the House of Representatives and the Senate.

In 2004, our lawmakers decided to use the game to help raise money for The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center in memory of Representative Ray Ruiz, who sadly died of lung cancer that year. The game has raised more than $417,760 since 2007 for the Patient Care Fund, benefiting New Mexicans fighting cancer.

Many of our patients and their families are traveling hundreds of miles for their appointments from all four corners of the state. Transportation, lodging, food assistance, and psychosocial support are vital, to allow our patients to be as successful as possible with their treatment.

– Jill Schulke, MSW, LCSW
Clinical Therapy Programs Manager

To make your gift today, visit us here. For questions, please reach out to Arlene Espinoza-Armijo at arlene.armijo@unmfund.org or Leigh Rowland at leigh.rowland@unmfund.org.

Thanks to the 2026 Hoops4Hope Sponsors