ABOUT ATHLETES VS CANCER
Matt Barnes started Athletes vs. Cancer in memory of his mother, Ann Barnes, who passed away twenty-six days after being diagnosed with several types of cancer. Ann's passing was abrupt and devastating to her friends and family. In 2008, Matt launched AVC to the world to get athletes more involved and join together to educate, bring awareness and motivate people to get regular cancer screenings. A voice is one of the most powerful tools we have; Matt and AVC want to use theirs to save lives.
ABOUT MATT BARNES
Matt Kelly Barnes born March 9, 1980 in Santa Clara, CA attended Del Campo High School in Fair Oaks, CA. He Averaged 30 points, 10 rebounds, six blocks, five steals and three assists as a senior at Del Campo High School. In addition to his outstanding basketball play, he was an All-American wide receiver and led the nation with 28 touchdown catches during his senior year. Matt decided to attend UCLA and became the 43rd player in UCLA history to top 1,000 points. In his senior year, he led UCLA in assist (108) and was second in rebounds (192) and steals (35). Matt's dream came true when he was a second-round draft choice of the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2002 NBA Draft. He was then traded that summer along with Nick Anderson to the Cleveland Cavaliers. He has since played for the Los Angeles Clippers, the Sacramento Kings, the New York Knicks, the Philadelphia 76ers, the Golden State Warriors, the Pheonix Suns, and the Orlando Magic. He currently starts for the Los Angeles Lakers and is a key defensive player and a large component in the Lakers hopes of returning to Championship glory.
Remembering Ann Catherine Barnes
 Ann Catherine Barnes was born on January 28, 1957 in Santa Clara, California. In 1975, Ann met the man she would spend the rest of her life with, Henry Barnes. An extraordinary event took place the year of 1979; Henry and Ann became one before god and welcomed their first child into the world a year later.
Three children later, Ann relocated her family to the Sacramento area in 1987 to begin her legacy. Until her children were old enough to attend school, Ann was a dedicated stay at home mom, committed to the well-being of her family. Ann became a volunteer at her children’s school just to be more involved in their lives. Recognizing her gifts of patience, understanding and communication, Ann became a special education assistant. She was a mother away from home to all the school children, often befriending their families as her own, and staying in contact throughout their teenage years. Ann’s intense motherly instincts and unbiased heart drew near all who she came in contact with. She always had an open door, and open heart for anyone who needed a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen. she was truly put here to love.
Matt Barnes on his relationship with his mother, Ann:
After 15 years of working for the school district, Ann retired to work alongside her daughter at Dr. John Santamaria’s dental office. Ann greeted all patients with a contagious smile and loved nothing more than to inform everyone of the latest news and achievements of her children and grandson. It comes as a devastating and painful shock that Ann Barnes lost her brief battle with cancer on the morning of Tuesday, November 27, 2007 with her family by her side.
Ann is survived by her loving husband of 28 years, Henry, her three beautiful children, Matthew, Danielle, and Jason and her precious grandchildren Jayden, Isaiah, Carter and Braylon. Ann’s passing leaves a hole in the hearts of so many. She had a pure heart and was an unconditional giver. She had a smile that warmed your soul, and a sense of humor that could brighten even the darkest of days. Her caring and compassion touched more lives than she could ever have known, and she was truly blessed by so many that loved her. She lived and breathed for her family and was so proud of all of her children and her grandson was truly the light of her life. She was a treasured gift from god, and will be in our hearts forever.
“She said she was going to miss me, that was hard to swallow” -Matt Barnes-
“She loved when I shot 3’s… that was her favorite part” -Matt Barnes-
“It was the hardest time in my life knowing there was nothing they could do” -Matt Barnes- |
