|
Ryan Lambert and Dr. Vincent Mumford were honored by the Pistons and American Red Cross on January 15.
Allen Einstein (NBAE/Getty)
 |
Lambert, a junior at Central Michigan University, and Mumford, professor of physical education and sport, are both founding members of Chip Away Malaria, an on-campus foundation that raises funds and awareness to prevent malaria. Lambert and his classmates launched the organization after Mumford challenged students to devise a plan using sport to fight the disease. During his research, Lambert read an article by Sports Illustrated’s Rick Reilley about malaria and the Nothing But Nets campaign. He learned that it costs only $10 to purchase an insecticide-covered bed net and that each bed net protects a family from mosquitoes for up to four years.
“I read the article and instantly felt guilty,” said Lambert, president of the Chip Away Malaria Foundation. “I felt guilty for not knowing about the disease and its effects on Africa earlier. I felt guilty for not donating 10 measly dollars to purchase a bed net and save someone’s life.”
More than 40 students from Mumford’s class worked together to raise funds for Chip Away Malaria, and the group enlisted the help of on-campus notables, including men’s basketball coach Ernie Ziegler. In one semester, the group raised nearly $6,000 and helped 600 families as a result. Chip Away Malaria plans to continue fundraising and increasing awareness for malaria prevention on Central Michigan’s campus.
About Malaria
Nothing But Nets is a grassroots campaign to save lives by preventing malaria, a leading killer of children in Africa. While the UN Foundation has been working with the UN to fight malaria for years, it was a column that Rick Reilly wrote about malaria in Sports Illustrated, challenging each of his readers to donate at least $10 for the purchase of an anti-malaria bed nets -- and the incredible response from thousands of Americans across the country -- that led to the creation of the Nothing But Nets campaign. For more information about Nothing But Nets, please visit www.nothingbutnets.net.
In its third year, the Detroit Pistons and American Red Cross Michigan Heroes Program encourages fans to nominate a person or group from their local community who has gone above and beyond the call of duty and recognize their accomplishments at a Pistons home game during the 2006-2007 season.
As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter supports American Red Cross humanitarian efforts around the world. This includes the Measles Initiative in African and Asia led by the American Red Cross in partnership with the United Nations and three other humanitarian organizations. The Red Cross salutes the extraordinary humanitarian work of Lambert and Mumford.
To nominate a hero, fans should complete an on-line nomination form at Pistons.com or send name(s), address, phone number and name of school or organization to:
The Palace of Auburn Hills -- Five Championship Drive -- Auburn Hills, MI 48326
