Carroll College Basketball Player Celebrates Cancer Remission, Receives community Support through Annual fundraiser
HELENA, MT – In a heartwarming display of community spirit, Carroll College junior basketball player Cam Niles marked a significant milestone in his battle with cancer while simultaneously benefiting from the annual Hoops For a Cause fundraiser held Sunday. niles, who was declared cancer-free in March after a grueling fight against Stage 4 lymphoma, returned to campus to participate in the event designed to help offset his mounting medical expenses.
The ninth annual Hoops For a cause tournament, a Frontier Conference tradition, draws support from across the league, transcending customary rivalries to focus on aiding those in need. this year’s proceeds are directly benefiting Niles,a testament to the close-knit nature of the Frontier Conference and the Carroll College community.
Niles, reflecting on his journey, emphasized the profound impact of the experience. “It’s just a blessing,” he stated. “The main thing I took from this is gratefulness. Your life can be hear and ther in an instant. And I’m just super glad that I was able to bear through.God gave me this ability. god gave me this journey, this testimony. He trusted me with it, and I’m super blessed and thankful for it.”
The Hoops For a Cause initiative was founded nine years ago by MSU-Northern head women’s basketball coach Chris Mouat,along with other Frontier Conference coaches. Mouat underscored the unifying principle behind the event. “It was a no-brainer,” he explained. “Somebody from our league, somebody was sick, needed our help. Being that he’s from the Frontier family – it was an easy choice.”
Despite being largely absent from campus during his treatment, which included time away from Helena, Niles was deeply touched by the outpouring of support. He noted the remarkable generosity of the Carroll College community, stating, “People barely saw my face on campus, yet they hear a kid that gets cancer and they’re all supportive. It really just shows the genuineness of the community and the town. Because here they are supporting me, and they don’t even know me.”
Niles’ diagnosis came during what would have been a pivotal season for the young athlete. While unable to contribute on the court, he remained connected to the team and the college, experiencing firsthand the power of collective compassion. The Hoops For a Cause fundraiser serves not only as a financial lifeline but also as a powerful symbol of solidarity and hope for Niles as he continues his recovery and prepares to return to his studies and basketball career at Carroll College.