Friendship is a close, lasting relationship between two or more people that is based on mutual affection, trust, and support. With that said, I met Rick Barry when he came to work at Yale about 15 years ago. His friendship is one I'm both humbled by and honored to have.

When he told me about his cancer diagnosis, I was stunned and overwhelmed with emotion. Anyone who knows Rick felt the same. It took me several days to process the news. Then I had a conversation with my wife Maggie about it. I felt I had to do something to help him, Mary, and their girls.

Maggie and I decided to put a fundraising event together, with Rick's blessing, as we've done several times before.

Within the next few days, we'll have details about an event, such as time, location, tickets, raffles, etc., to be held in the coming weeks.

Our goal is to help ease the enormous financial burden of medical bills that will be incurred by the family for Rick's treatment as well as to provide some relief from the inevitable time lost from work.

We hope you can donate even a small amount. Every donation matters.