Pirates vs. Cancer, a student‑driven initiative dedicated to supporting children and families facing cancer, is set to host its annual spring fundraising event on April 10 at the ECU Health Sciences Campus. Led by medical, dental and allied health students, Pirates vs. Cancer brings together the entire health sciences community for a day of giving, celebration and solidarity with pediatric patients.
One hundred percent of the funds raised by Pirates vs. Cancer is donated to ECU Health Foundation to benefit programs at the James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital at ECU Health Medical Center. Some of those programs have included camps and other programs specifically designed to provide pediatric patients with childhood experiences.
Among the most tangible examples of the group’s efforts is on the Maynard Children’s Hospital’s second floor. In 2024, Pirates vs. Cancer funds were designated to renovate a playroom and fill it with toys, games, crafts and technology that help patients take their mind off procedures and just be kids.
“We were able to almost double the size of this playroom for these kids and add so many more interactive features,” said Elise Ironmonger, director of programs at the ECU Health Foundation. “It’s really a place of respite for them when they are facing treatment for months, weeks at a time.”
Pirates Vs. Cancer was founded by Brody School of Medicine students in 2017 and has raised over $176,000 in the past 10 years. Leadership and participants are composed of students, faculty and staff from the School of Medicine, School of Dental Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Allied Health Sciences and the Undergraduate campus. Together, they raise funds that directly impact their community.
To support Pirates Vs. Cancer, please click here.
Community partners are essential to the work of the ECU Health Foundation. The impact these partners provide on a daily basis to the patients and families at James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital is life-changing. Pirates Vs. Cancer is just one example of the tremendous efforts and impact made by our community partners.
Pirates Vs. Cancer was founded nine years ago by Trevor Hunt and other students at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. These students weren’t just studying the impact of cancer — they had seen it in their families, their communities and often in their own lives. In response, this dedicated group turned those experiences into action, building a powerful tradition that brings hope to children across eastern North Carolina who are fighting cancer.
In April 2025, Brody students hosted the ninth annual Pirates Vs. Cancer event, bringing their total raised to more than $174,000 in support of pediatric cancer patients at Maynard Children’s Hospital. Every dollar raised goes directly toward improving the lives of pediatric oncology patients all across eastern North Carolina.
Funds raised through Pirates Vs. Cancer have already made a lasting impact. Past donations helped renovate the inpatient playroom — a vital space where children can find comfort and joy during treatment. This bright and innovative area is available for children and teens admitted to the children’s hospital and offers activities for all ages, including video games, imaginative play, arts and crafts and more.
Thanks to Pirates Vs. Cancer and all of of our vital community partners, we can continue to bring big smiles to our smallest patients and further our mission to improve the health and well-being of children across the region.