From Hardwood to Hope: The Dunk MS Story | Blake Arnet

May 7, 2024

In this heartfelt episode of "Free Thinking with Montel," we invite you into the remarkable world of Dunk MS, a groundbreaking initiative turning the battle against Multiple Sclerosis into a slam dunk. Montel Williams is joined by Blake Arnet, the former UCLA basketball star and visionary behind Dunk MS, to discuss how the worlds of sports and philanthropy can unite for a powerful cause. Blake takes us through his personal journey, starting from his early days before MS touched his life, leading to the heart-wrenching diagnosis of his mother in 2007, to her sudden passing in 2009. This pivotal moment spurred Blake into action, channeling his grief into advocacy and the creation of the world's first charity dunk show, Dunk MS. Listeners will get an insider's look into the annual Dunk MS event at UCLA's Pauley Pavilion, set to take place on May 18th, 2024. Expect a day packed with high-flying action from the world's top pro dunkers, a kid's basketball clinic, an MS community zone, and much more, all benefiting MS research at UCLA Health. Blake also shares the evolution of Dunk MS, the impact it has made so far, and his vision for expanding this initiative to touch more lives. With over 750 attendees, partnerships with giants like UCLA Athletics, UCLA Health, and BallisLife, the event is a testament to the community's dedication to fighting MS. Blake’s inspiring tale is not just about overcoming adversity but about transforming loss into a legacy of hope and support for those affected by Multiple Sclerosis. His mother's memory lives on through Dunk MS, a beacon of light in the ongoing fight against this challenging disease. We close by encouraging our listeners to support this noble cause. Whether you’re cheering from the stands at Pauley Pavilion or supporting from afar, your involvement can help accelerate the path towards a cure for MS. To learn more about the event or to donate, visit dunkms.com or onecau.se/dunkms. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those battling MS. Remember, change starts with us, and together, we are unstoppable. Keep pushing forward, keep free-thinking, and most importantly, keep spreading love and positivity wherever you go. Tune in, be inspired, and see how you can be part of something truly extraordinary. Take care of yourselves, and each other, until next time.