In an emotional and inspiring press conference held at the Duke University campus this morning, Duke Blue Devils Men’s Basketball Head Coach Jon Scheyer announced the official launch of “A Hope Rising Foundation,” a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of children with disabilities in Durham County.
Surrounded by local families, medical professionals, and several of his own players, Coach Scheyer unveiled the foundation’s mission: to provide free healthcare, basic needs, therapeutic support, and what he described as “endless love and opportunity” to some of the community’s most vulnerable children.
“This is more than basketball,” Scheyer said, his voice breaking with emotion. “This is about giving every child the chance to feel seen, supported, and celebrated. No child should have to fight for access to care, for dignity, or for hope.”
The foundation, funded initially by a $5 million personal donation from Scheyer and matching contributions from local sponsors and Duke alumni, will operate under three core pillars: Medical Care, Essential Support, and Community Empowerment. Services will include access to pediatric healthcare, physical and occupational therapy, mental health support, nutritional aid, and after-school mentorship programs.
A state-of-the-art community wellness center is already under construction in downtown Durham, scheduled to open by spring 2026. It will serve as a central hub where families can access wraparound services completely free of charge.
Parents in the crowd were moved to tears as Scheyer shared stories of children who inspired the foundation’s creation, including a young boy named Malik, a Durham native with cerebral palsy who was once denied care due to lack of insurance. “Malik changed my life,” Scheyer said. “He taught me that disability doesn’t mean inability—it just means the world has to work harder to be fair.”
The announcement was met with standing ovations and an outpouring of support online, with many calling Scheyer “an angel in human form.”
While he remains committed to leading the Blue Devils on the court, Scheyer made it clear that A Hope Rising Foundation is where his heart now beats strongest.
“If we can change one child’s life,” he said, “we’ve already won more than any championship could offer.”
