Pickleball for Cancer Survivors: How the Sport is Making a Difference
Cancer is expensive. Insultingly expensive. It costs our body’s strength, our mental wellbeing, time, energy, joy… and money. Over the years we’ve all watched someone we love struggle with the costs of cancer.
It may sound surprising, but pickleball is helping offset some of those costs – not just financially, but physically and emotionally, too.
How Pickleball is Helping Cancer Survivors
We recently learned of a study conducted by the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa and the local YMCA, examining the benefits of pickleball for cancer survivors. Dr. Nathan Parker, a researcher on the project, has long been interested in ways to help patients alleviate some of the effects of cancer.
Prior research has shown that physical activity can improve cancer recovery by:
Increasing physical health
Decreasing stress
Improving overall quality of life
However, between 53%-83% of cancer patients do not meet the physical activity recommendations. Parker explains:
“Being inactive can lead to more muscle loss and loss of physical function during and following cancer treatments. As someone with a cancer diagnosis deals with treatment side effects and their physical and emotional tolls, it can become more difficult to be physically active, to find that starting place and be consistent.”
Photo Credit: Moffitt Cancer Center
After watching his mom fall in love with pickleball, Parker decided to introduce the sport to his patients. Together with the YMCA, researchers encouraged participants to play pickleball at least 2 hours per week for 3-7 months through Project Rally. The program provided players with a paddle, free access to the Y, and pickleball lessons.
Result of the Pickleball Study
The results? Overwhelmingly positive. Participants increased their physical activity by an average of 80 minutes per week! Cancer survivors in the program reported:
Improved physical functioning
Strong social connections and new friendships
Reduced feelings of isolation
More joy and emotional relief
Dr. Parker was impressed by the impact and sees long-term potential:
“ Project Rally has a lot of potential to be one of these sustained programs that continues to impact folks and make a difference for them in cancer survivorship.”
Pickleball Fundraisers: Raising Money for Cancer Research
Beyond physical and emotional benefits, pickleball is helping to defray the financial burden of cancer. Cancer fundraising is no longer limited to bake sales and 5K walks – pickleball fundraising events are gaining traction across the country, providing much-needed support for research and patient care.
Major Pickleball Fundraising Events Support Cancer Research
Doubles Dink for Cancer – A partnership between the Association of Pickleball Players (APP), UTR Sports, and the American Cancer Society.
10-Day National Pickleball Challenge – An initiative by APP and the American Cancer Society to raise funds and promote healthy living.
Pickleball for a Cure – A fundraiser by Susan G. Komen supporting breast cancer research.
Project Purple’s Charity Pickleball Classic – Raising funds for pancreatic cancer research.
Pickleball to Conquer Kids’ Cancer – An event by St. Baldrick’s Foundation supporting pediatric cancer patients.
How Pickleball Players & Companies Are Supporting the Cause
The pickleball industry is also stepping up, with major paddle brands launching fundraising initiatives:
Onix Paddles for a Purpose – Proceeds from paddle sales go toward cancer research
Joola’s Stand Up to Cancer Paddle – Supporting the Stand Up to Cancer Foundation
Pickleball is Helping to Lower the Costs of Cancer
With cancer research funding being in limbo, the pickleball community is stepping up in a big way. These programs, events, sales, and the amazing pickleball community, are all really helping to lower the costs of cancer – physically, emotionally, and financially.
