INDIANAPOLIS — The 14th annual Chuckstrong Tailgate Gala raised more than $900,000 for research at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Hosted by former Colts head coach Chuck Pagano on April 17 at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center, the 2026 Chuckstrong Tailgate Gala brought total giving to $17.7 million for cancer research since the Chuckstrong initiative launched in 2012.
The Chuckstrong initiative has enabled the cancer center to accelerate cancer research by recruiting top-level researchers to IU from around the country and purchasing laboratory instruments used by researchers to make scientific advances against the disease.
More than 370 guests were in attendance, including cancer research supporters, Colts fans, cancer survivors, researchers and philanthropists. Notable guests included former Colts players and legends such as Reggie Wayne, Edgerrin James, Bill Brooks and Jon Hand.
During an on-stage conversation during the dinner program, Pagano and WISH-TV sports anchor Anthony Calhoon chatted with Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Colts owner and CEO, about the power of relationships and community support.
"The Colts are pleased to support Chuckstrong, which has raised millions of dollars for much-needed cancer research and treatment in Indianapolis and across our state," Irsay-Gordon said. "Even though they've moved on to other locations and endeavors, Chuck and Tina [Pagano] time and again have demonstrated their ongoing commitment to our community and this gathering, and we can't thank them enough."
The impact of IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center research was center stage when a video told Britt Redman's story. In the middle of a promising high school football season, Redman faced the toughest opponent of his life: advanced testicular cancer. Redman and his family — including his dad, veteran NFL quarterback Chris Redman —– turned to the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, the home of the cure for testicular cancer. IU's oncologists and surgeons, including Larry Einhorn, MD, Nabil Adra, MD, and Clint Cary, MD, designed a plan tailored specifically to Britt's case, and he's now thriving as a college student.
"The support we receive through the Chuckstrong community provides important investments for the cancer center's research, including recruiting and retaining top scientists and funding clinical trials that change outcomes for patients," said Kelvin Lee, MD, director of the cancer center, H.H. Gregg Professor of Oncology and associate dean for cancer research at the IU School of Medicine. "I'm grateful for the ongoing generosity and community support — including the Irsay family and the Paganos — at Chuckstrong because together we are making strides to advance cancer research."
Top-level "touchdown" sponsors for this year’s Chuckstrong Tailgate Gala include Huntington Bank, Republic Airways, Lori Efroymson Aguilera and Sergio Aguilera, Tom Bennett and family, BJ and Lori Nichols and Bob and Lisa Colver, JLA Fresh Solutions, and Sol and Kay Raso.
Pagano's story
When Chuck Pagano shared his diagnosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia in September 2012, the Chuckstrong movement quickly began and provided an opportunity for Indianapolis to visibly support Pagano as his team rallied and marched toward the playoffs. Pagano underwent treatment at IU under the guidance of Larry D. Cripe, MD, a hematologist, cancer center researcher and professor of medicine at the IU School of Medicine. Pagano returned to his head coaching duties on Dec. 24, 2012 — a day that inspired and captivated many who have been touched by cancer. More than a decade later, Pagano remains cancer free.
About the Indiana University School of Medicine
The IU School of Medicine is the largest medical school in the U.S. and is annually ranked among the top medical schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The school offers high-quality medical education, access to leading medical research and rich campus life in nine Indiana cities, including rural and urban locations consistently recognized for livability. According to the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research, the IU School of Medicine ranks No. 15 in 2025 National Institutes of Health funding among all public medical schools in the country.
Writer:Candace Gwaltney, cmgwaltn@iu.edu
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