Cancer research foundation begins in honor of Blazer great Cliff Robinson

In honor of his death, the family of late, Blazers great Cliff Robinson has kick started a foundation to research cancer. Here’s how you can support.

Over the last week, Trail Blazers fans, and society as a whole have mourned the death of former Portland fan favorite Cliff Robinson. The one-time All-Star and 1992-93 Sixth Man of the Year tragically died at age 53, in a losing battle against lymphoma on Aug. 29.

In his honor, his family and loved ones have started a foundation in his honor — Team Cliff Robinson — to fight cancer. Further information in regards to donations and foundation events can be found through this link. 

Along with the donation process, the foundation is setting up multiple events, such as the 50 Mile Resilience Challenge, a lantern experience, and a social celebration in his honor.

As the page notes, Robinson was also diagnosed with a condition known as diffuse large-b cell lymphoma, but, true to his on-court character, continued to fight for a year-and-a-half. On the court, Robinson was as durable as they came.

Over the first 15 seasons of his playing career, he missed just 21 games, and played 644 of a possible 656 games as a valued member of the Portland Trail Blazers. He was also named to two All-Defensive Teams in his career.

All told, over eight seasons in Portland, Cliff Robinson averaged 16.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game on 43.8 percent from the field, and hit 1,253 3-pointers. In a way, his game was a precursor for what was to come, with today’s modern-day stretch fours with the ability to score at will and defend.

He also made an impact far beyond the hardwood, in his pursuit of eliminating the myth that, athletes and marijuana don’t mix, which set the groundwork for his line of products and dispensary, properly titled “Uncle Cliffy” in 2017.