'Keep the fight going': Devin Booker's Coco5 partners with American Cancer Society in bout with cancer

Phoenix Suns All-Star Devin Booker’s Coco5 is teaming up with the American Cancer Society and Coaches vs. Cancer for “Fuel The Fight” in support of the battle against cancer.

"Gain awareness, keep the fight going," Booker said after Saturday's practice. "Super important to shed light to it. I know a lot of people that have to deal with it and it's a tough thing to handle. The more light we can shed to it, the more money we can raise for awareness, the better for us."

The initiative will launch this summer.

"A lot of people are affected by cancer," said Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell, one of the Coco5 founders along with his close friend, Booker. "If we can bring awareness and another light of positive influence to the cause, I'm two feet in on it."

Five cents will be donated for every bottle sold of Coco5, “a natural, recovery beverage brand committed to real hydration and lasting impact.”

“At the American Cancer Society, we recognize that our vision to end cancer as we know it, isn’t something we can do ourselves,” Brant Woodward, senior executive vice president of field operations for the American Cancer Society, said in a news release. “It takes partners like Coco5, who join us with their drive, commitment and support in the fight against cancer, to help us reach and serve cancer patients, their families, and communities where and when they need us most.”

ESPN’s Michael Wilbon, Hall of Famer and Suns legend Charles Barkley, Grizzlies guard Derrick Rose, Russell and Booker founded Coco5 under venture capitalist Jim Reynolds.

“As a brand deeply committed to making a difference, we recognize that cancer touches the lives of everyone in some way,” Reynolds said in the news release. "Partnering with the American Cancer Society aligns perfectly with our core mission of creating impactful change. This collaboration allows us to contribute meaningfully to the fight against cancer and inspire hope for a healthier future.”

The funding goes toward cancer research and 24/7 support for cancer patients.

Raising cancer awareness and the importance of screenings is at the root of the collaboration that includes the National Association of Basketball Coaches. Coaching camps and tournaments where there are 1,000 of people in attendance are ideal events to discuss and enlighten about early detection.

Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-787-1240. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.

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