CLEMSON — Oliver Purnell watched his grandparents die of cancer. Purnell’s wife, Vicky, lost her aunt and uncle to the disease.

Wednesday afternoon at Littlejohn Coliseum, the couple announced their intentions to wage a battle against it.

On October 7 the Purnells will host a fundraiser to benefit Coaches vs. Cancer, a partner with the American Cancer Society. The event, called “Oliver and Vicky Purnell’s Tigerfest 2008,” will take place at the Madren Center pavilion from 4 to 7 p.m. and include live entertainment, food and drinks.

Tickets are $100 per person, and people can also help by making donations or becoming a sponsor.

“Vicky and I have been very passionate in the cause of fighting cancer,” Oliver Purnell said. “Both of us have had our lives affected by it, and we know there are so many others who have as well.”

The Clemson coach said he was “practically raised” by his grandparents, and was emotional when talking of their deaths.

“To see them pass away in a painful way leaves a lasting impression,” he said.

Vicky Purnell said the time was right for her and her husband to become more active in their fight against cancer.

“It’s something we’ve been thinking about for years,” she said. “We’re finally in a position in our lives where we can give back. We’ve been so touched by this disease and so blessed, we wanted to do something.”

The fundraiser, which will also serve as a preseason introduction to Purnell’s 2008-09 edition of Tigers, will have Clemson players on hand to greet the public. The coach said that will serve a couple of purposes.

“We pride ourselves on recruiting high character guys, and we have a responsibility of teaching them about helping others,” Oliver Purnell said. “This will give them a chance to be a good public relations tool for our university, but it’ll also give them a chance to see what we’re doing with this battle against cancer.”

Coaches vs. Cancer is a collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). Oliver Purnell is a past president of the NABC and still serves on the executive board.

Since the founding of Coaches vs. Cancer 15 years ago, more than $40 million has been raised to increase cancer awareness.

“Coaches vs. Cancer has given us food for thought about how to become more involved in this,” Oliver Purnell said. “But it’s also something Vicky and I truly wanted to do.”

For ticket information concerning Tigerfest 2008, contact Anne Koutoufas at 864-656-2217.