Dak Prescott brings punch to fight against cancer, challenges fans to do same

Vinnie Iyer

Dak Prescott brings punch to fight against cancer, challenges fans to do same image

Dak Prescott lost his mother Peggy to colon cancer almost five years ago. Every snap he takes as the Cowboys' quarterback is fueled by her fighting spirit that keeps growing stronger within him.

Three words she often used to encourage him — "Faith, Fight, Finish" — are front and center in the name of the charitable foundation he established in her loving honor. And for the second consecutive year, Prescott is taking his personal fight against cancer and the adversity it causes for individuals and their families to another level with "Ready. Raise. Rise."

Along with actors Eric Stonestreet and Tia Mowry, Prescott once again has joined forces with the Immuno-Oncology team from Bristol-Myers Squibb to get the word out on the newest ways those afflicted and affected are battling all types of cancer.

"I'm very passionate about it. It’s very close to my heart, having lost my mother to cancer," Prescott told Sporting News. "So anything I can do — a helping hand to raise awareness or money — anything that helps hopefully one day 100 percent defeat cancer, I’m all about it.

"I’m privileged and blessed to be part of this Ready. Raise. Rise campaign, which is educating everyone out there about the latest oncology research."

With it, Prescott is challenging fans to make a difference in the cause — just by taking a picture.

"I encourage everyone to go to ReadyRaiseRise.com and take the Pic Your Power challenge," Prescott said. "Submit your photos, and once we get 100, Bristol-Myers Squibb has offered to donate $250,000.

"It’s as simple as that. Take a piece of paper, write #ReadyRaiseRise on it and share it showing how unique and powerful you are in your own special way. It can be a life-changing experience for a lot of people out there as we’re trying to grow this research and support cancer advocacy groups."

Beyond all the money Prescott has helped raise, and continues to raise for the cause, he has been most grateful for how he has been empowered while helping to empower others.

"The reaction you get back from it," Prescott explained, "you see how many people are thankful for putting my hand in it and being so passionate about it. So many of us are affected by it. So many of lose and go through the adversity that cancer brings. Watching the journey of someone affected by it, we know how tough it can be.

"When you meet a lot of people that are going through it, you in turn get inspired and motivated. You find some really strong people out there, some who come out as survivors, some who don’t. You can learn from each of them. Every time I come into contact with one, I find something else to try to make me better off the field and a better football player, not letting anything bring me down."

With his mother's memory deep in his heart every day, Prescott plans to be unrelenting in punching back against cancer.

"The more I get involved, the more things I do, the more that people tell me I helped them through their fight, it’s same thing as hearing my mom say, 'I'm proud of you.'" Prescott said  "It motivates me to keep doing more."

Ready. Raise. Rise is a good start to get involved. Prescott has another easy way for fans to increase their parts in the fight — by just being there for someone.

"When you find somebody with cancer, just be loving and be helping in what they’re going through in the toughest time of their life."

Vinnie Iyer

Vinnie Iyer Photo

Vinnie Iyer, has been with TSN since 1999, not long after graduating from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. He has produced NFL content for more than 20 years, turning his attention to full-time writing in 2007. A native of St. Louis, Mo. but now a long-time resident of Charlotte, N.C. Vinnie’s top two professional sports teams are Cardinals and Blues, but he also carries purple pride for all things Northwestern Wildcats. He covers every aspect of the NFL for TSN including player evaluations, gambling and fantasy football, where he is a key contributor. Vinnie represents TSN as host of the “Locked On Fantasy Football” podcast on the Locked On network. Over his many years at TSN, he’s also written about MLB, NBA, NASCAR, college football, tennis, horse racing, film and television. His can’t-miss program remains “Jeopardy!”, where he was once a three-day champion and he is still avid about crossword puzzles and trivia games. When not watching sports or his favorite game show, Vinnie is probably watching a DC, Marvel or Star Wars-related TV or movie.