Mission & Awards

2026 Jim & Kathy Satalin Inspiration Award Recipient

Coach Mark & Anita Schmidt

For more than two decades, Coach Mark Schmidt and his wife, Anita, have been passionate champions of the American Cancer Society and the Coaches vs. Cancer mission. Through their leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment, they have helped transform the fight against cancer throughout Western New York. Together, they have inspired coaches, athletes, sponsors, and community members to come together in support of cancer research, patient services, and advocacy efforts that save lives. Their dedication has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to ensure that no one faces cancer alone.

Mark and Anita have been the driving force behind the success and growth of the Coaches vs. Cancer 716 Golf Classic. What began as a fundraising event has grown into one of the region’s premier charitable golf tournaments, generating more than $590,000 in support of the American Cancer Society. While Mark has used his platform as a respected coach to champion the cause and rally supporters, Anita has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to help organize, promote, and strengthen the event year after year. Their partnership, vision, and commitment have created a lasting impact that extends far beyond the golf course.

The American Cancer Society is proud to recognize Mark and Anita Schmidt as the 2026 recipients of the Jim & Kathy Satalin Inspiration Award. Together, they embody the spirit of this honor through their compassion, leadership, and unwavering belief in giving back. Their legacy continues to inspire others, strengthen our community, and advance the fight for a future free from cancer.

2026 The One Who Knocks Award

Coach Joe Cantafio

While Joe Cantafio’s cancer journey inspired the phrase “The One Who Knocks,” what began as a personal source of strength has evolved into something much greater. Driven by a desire to help others facing cancer, Joe transformed that message into a community movement centered on hope, resilience, and action.

Over the past several years, The One Who Knocks has grown from a single fundraising effort into a series of events that bring together coaches, student-athletes, families, schools, businesses, and supporters from across Western New York. This year alone, the campaign expanded to 12 games and events, raising more than $50,000 for the American Cancer Society. Beyond the dollars raised, the initiative has created meaningful opportunities to educate young people about the impact of cancer, honor survivors and caregivers, and unite entire school communities behind a cause that touches so many lives.

The American Cancer Society is proud to present Joe Cantafio with the inaugural One Who Knocks Award in recognition of his vision, leadership, and commitment to the fight against cancer. Going forward, this award will honor a local coach, player, or volunteer whose efforts inspire their, families, and community to come together in support of the American Cancer Society. Through Joe’s leadership, The One Who Knocks has become more than a fundraiser. It has become a movement that demonstrates the power of sports to raise awareness, build community, and make a lasting impact in the fight against cancer.

Impact & Mission

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The American Cancer Society is the leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. We are the only organization improving the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.