Cancer Survivor Dan Exter Raises $30K Through Basketball

When Dan Exter lay in a hospital bed battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia at 27, he wrote down an idea on a piece of paper that would change hundreds of lives. That scribbled note became Layups 4 Life, a nonprofit that's now gearing up for its fourth annual charity basketball tournament in Parsippany, New Jersey.

The April 28 event welcomes players of all skill levels, ages 13 and up, to the Parsippany PAL Youth Center for a day of 3-on-3 games, food, music, and community. Registration costs $32 per person, with all proceeds supporting cancer research and clinical trials at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Dan's cancer journey started in 2013 when what seemed like simple shortness of breath turned into a life-changing diagnosis. His treatment included full body radiation, chemotherapy, and a stem cell transplant from his younger brother Jason, who beat 25% odds to become a perfect match.

During his recovery, Dan made himself a promise. If he survived, he would advocate for others fighting cancer and help fund the research that saved his life.

"Ten years ago the transplant procedure that I received was once a clinical trial," Dan explains. The treatment that cured him exists because of the generous funding and continued research his organization now supports.

The Ripple Effect

Since 2014, Layups 4 Life has contributed to leukemia, pediatric, and bone marrow research departments at Memorial Sloan Kettering. The organization's annual tournaments have become family events featuring raffles with signed memorabilia from the New York Giants and Knicks, plus tickets to Yankees and Nets games.

Dan's wife Dana, who stood by him through his diagnosis after just a year and a half of dating, now serves as co-founder of the nonprofit. Together, they've built a community around their mission, partnering with local high school basketball programs and Parsippany businesses.

This year's goal is ambitious: raise $30,000 by summer. The tournament welcomes spectators who want to support the cause, and those who can't attend can donate online.

Dan now works as a Digital Media Strategist and lives in Jersey City with Dana, but his mission remains crystal clear: ensure everyone facing a cancer diagnosis has access to the same cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials that gave him a second chance at life.