Emmanuel Kabongo's Battleground: Hoops Against Cancer Fundraiser
Emmanuel Kabongo, a Toronto actor and producer, initiated the "TIFF Battleground: Hoops Against Cancer" fundraiser to support the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation after his mother, Nene, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021. The event, now in its third year, brings together celebrities like Lovell Adams-Gray, Ashton James, and Matt Murray to raise awareness and funds for cancer research at the Regent Park Community Centre in Toronto.
Emmanuel's mother's cancer had spread to her liver and brain, and she was given a grim prognosis of only six months to live. Grateful for the care his mother received at Princess Margaret, Emmanuel organized the fundraiser to give back to the foundation that had supported his family during this challenging time.
The Kabongo family has a strong connection to basketball, with Emmanuel's brother Myck having played for the University of Texas and briefly in the NBA. Emmanuel himself played varsity basketball at George Brown College before pursuing a career in acting. His mother, a dedicated basketball mom, supported her children's basketball journeys, traveling long distances to cheer them on at games.
Emmanuel's decision to name the fundraiser "Battleground" reflects the silent battles that cancer patients face every day. By merging basketball and charity, he hopes to shed light on the struggles of those fighting cancer and raise funds for research and support services.
Having appeared in various TV series and earning Canadian Screen Award nominations for his work, Emmanuel is a talented actor and producer. His upcoming films, "Sway" and "Welcome," are set to be released later this year. Born in Zaire, Emmanuel and his family fled the civil war when he was six, eventually settling in Toronto where he pursued his passion for acting.
The Kabongo family's dedication to basketball and their mother's battle with cancer have inspired Emmanuel to use his platform to make a difference. Through the "TIFF Battleground: Hoops Against Cancer" fundraiser, he aims to honor his mother's strength and resilience while supporting cancer research and awareness initiatives.