Earlier this year, we had the privilege of joining Buckeye Nation aboard the 2026 Buckeye Cruise for Cancer, an event that has long defined what it means for a community to show up with purpose. Since its founding in 2008 by Lisa Cisco and Chris Quinn, this “tailgate at sea” has raised more than $48 million in support of OSU’s Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.
This year alone, Buckeye Nation raised an incredible $4.6 million.
It was a nonstop pep rally of a week as we sailed through the Caribbean amid a sea of scarlet and gray. As an official sponsor, we were honored to outfit current and former Ohio State athletes in BCKR gear and to spend time with the many fans, donors, and cancer warriors who care deeply and work tirelessly year-round.
The strength of the community’s bonds and its commitment to the cause were on full display throughout the week, especially during the opening night ceremony celebrating survivors and the Cruise Walk/Run in honor of Jared Fleming (’18).
There were plenty of moments that captured Buckeye Nation at its best. Take for instance, the BC4C fashion show, when OSU greats including DeVier Posey, Bobby Carpenter, Parris Campbell Jr., Matt Wilhelm, and Kami Kortokrax took turns showing off BCKR jackets and hats as they strutted down a sun-soaked runway. (Even Brutus Buckeye couldn’t resist trying on our Cool One UPF Bucket Hat.)
As Coach Day said after being officially named a Buckeye Legend,
“This is what it’s all about. Whether you’re coaching in high school or middle school or in the NFL or at The Ohio State University, it’s about making an impact on people, which is exactly why you’re on this boat right now.”
We’re grateful to play even a small role in efforts like this, not just at Ohio State, but every university we represent. Our mission is simple: to show up, contribute where we can, and stand behind the communities that make it all matter.
The Buckeye Cruise for Cancer will set sail on its twentieth voyage on February 19–26, 2027, and it will surely be another powerful reminder of what a committed community can accomplish together.
