The Panthers have a history of supporting Atrium Health’s cancer programs through Keep Pounding – an initiative established in 2003 to honor former players Sam Mills and Mark Fields, who had both been recently diagnosed with cancer.

The Keep Pounding Fund supports cancer research efforts throughout Atrium Health. Since its inception, the Keep Pounding Fund has raised over $4.4 million to help support cancer programs at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute and Atrium Health Levine Children’s.

You can help make life better for a cancer patient, spread awareness, and contribute to vital research. Donations to the Keep Pounding Fund support wellness outreach programs, clinical research, and equipment, as well as new technologies and treatments. Your support enables both Levine Cancer Institute and Levine Children’s to be able to offer new Phase I and Phase II clinical trials. Thanks to these clinical trials, families have access to the most advanced treatments available where it matters most – close to home.

Each year, the Keep Pounding 5K draws hundreds of avid runners, passionate football fans, cancer survivors, and supporters of cancer programs at Levine Children’s and Levine Cancer Institute, to participate in the only charitable run that uses the home of the Carolina Panthers as its course. Proceeds from the Keep Pounding 5K help to fund patient navigators, wellness outreach programs, clinical research, and provide for the latest technologies, equipment and treatments options to fight cancer.

Keep Pounding Hits the Road

Since they were first unveiled last summer, a series of custom-made Keep Pounding license plates have generated a new source of support for the Keep Pounding Fund, a key cancer fundraising initiative advancing cancer research at both Levine Cancer Institute and Levine Children’s. Representing the long-standing commitment of the Carolina Panthers to the local fight against cancer, the specialty license plates commemorate the late Panthers linebacker and coach Sam Mills’ battle with cancer. A portion of each $30 plate fee is earmarked for the Keep Pounding Fund, amounting to more than $500,000 to date. Purchase your Keep Pounding license plate through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, here.