CHICAGO — Kenwood Academy alum and former Chicago Bull Nazr Mohammed for years has used his celebrity to raise money for a number of important causes, from diabetes to autism. But this year's cause hit close to home for the South Side native.
"When four people I know are diagnosed with cancer — different types of cancer — in a year, it's definitely a sign," said Mohammed, now a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder. "We wanted the ability to give to people who were doing great work, and Erika was one of them."
The Erika he's referring to is Erika Bracey, a fellow native South Sider and breast cancer survivor who created a nonprofit organization, Different Shades of Pink, dedicated to assisting cancer patients struggling to meet basic needs. With public donations and the money she raises from making "Blest Bracelets," Bracey travels across the country to surprise lucky recipients with groceries, co-pay assistance, massage therapy and other necessities.
Bracey cohosted Friday's Full Court Press Against Cancer at Galleria Marchetti, 825 W. Erie St., which was emceed by Val Warner of "Windy City Live." More than 300 guests attended the event, which featured a silent auction, casino gaming and a hosted bar.
"I had my first experience with cancer when my fiance died of renal cell carcinoma. Seven years later, I was diagnosed with breast cancer," said Bracey, now a six-year survivor. "In treatment, I'd come across other patients who couldn't afford to pay for treatments or buy groceries. I didn't have money or a platform but I had a will to do something, which is how Blest Bracelets happened."
Bracey designs all of the bracelets herself, and the average cost is no more than $40. For every 15 bracelets sold, one is donated to a cancer patient or survivor. The purpose of the bracelets is not only to help those in the fight, but to raise awareness: Racial disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and insurance coverage contribute to more black women dying of breast cancer.
"I'd heard Erika's name out there. We traveled in the same circles," Mohammed said. "A friend mentioned her one day, and I called her and we talked. She told me her story and I heard how passionate she was. When a cause comes to me, I attack it."
"When I came to Nazr's event last year, I was really impressed with him," Bracey said. "And when he chose to use his platform to help us, I was touched. We don't have a big budget or a big platform, and there's so much focus on big name organizations that smaller ones tend to get overlooked. I love that he uses his platform to focus on grassroots organizations."
For Mohammed, the focus on grassroots organizations is simply a matter of keeping his promise to give back to the community that made him.
"I wanted to help the groups that are in the communities doing the work," he said. "There's nothing wrong with big name organizations but they can't do everything."
Four years into the philanthropy game, Mohammed has learned a few lessons, not only about the complexities of charity work, but himself, too.
"It's hard. Far more work than I could imagine," he said. "The foundation is just me and my wife, really. I mean, we pay people to do particular jobs but for the most part it's just us.
"Some people lend their names and sit back, but my personality won't allow that. I've heard stories about guys not knowing information about their own foundation. I make sure to know everything I need to know. My name is attached, so if something goes wrong it's on me."
When asked about next year's cause, Mohammed said he'd like to help address Chicago violence, noting that many great organizations are doing their part with little to no assistance.
"Being from Chicago, it's something I care about," he said. "This is home for me. This is where I learned my values."
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