BREAKING: Duke Coach Jon Scheyer Launches “A Hope Rising Foundation” to Provide Free Healthcare and Love for Disabled Kids

In a world often defined by competition, statistics, and headlines dominated by wins and losses, some stories transcend the scoreboard and redefine what true victory looks like. One such story comes out of Durham, North Carolina, where Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball coach Jon Scheyer has once again proven that his impact extends far beyond the hardwood. On Wednesday morning, Scheyer made a stunning and heartwarming announcement that has left the entire Duke community—and indeed, much of the sporting world—in awe.

In an emotional press conference held at Cameron Indoor Stadium, Coach Jon Scheyer unveiled his newest off-court project: A Hope Rising Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of children with disabilities across Durham County. The foundation’s mission is ambitious yet deeply compassionate—to provide free healthcare, cover essential basic needs, and deliver unwavering love and support to children who too often find themselves marginalized by circumstance.

“I’ve been blessed with so many opportunities through basketball,” Scheyer began, his voice cracking slightly with emotion. “But life isn’t just about championships or banners—it’s about people. It’s about the kids who deserve a chance, the families who need support, and the belief that every child, regardless of ability or background, deserves to rise.”

A Hope Rising Foundation will focus primarily on three key pillars: providing free, high-quality healthcare for children with disabilities, ensuring families have access to basic necessities such as food, clothing, and safe housing, and fostering a nurturing, inclusive environment rooted in love and dignity.

Scheyer, a Chicago native and former Duke star turned head coach, has never shied away from the spotlight, but this time, the attention is firmly fixed on an entirely different kind of victory—a victory for the vulnerable, the overlooked, and the children whose futures hinge on community compassion.

The initiative comes at a critical time for Durham County, where nearly 15% of children live with some form of disability, ranging from developmental challenges to chronic illnesses. Many families in the region face significant barriers to accessing consistent medical care, therapy, and specialized resources. For those already navigating financial hardship, these obstacles can feel insurmountable.

Scheyer’s foundation aims to dismantle those barriers, starting immediately.

Partnering with local hospitals, pediatric specialists, schools, and faith-based organizations, A Hope Rising Foundation has already secured over $8 million in initial funding, largely sourced from private donations, local philanthropists, and contributions from Duke alumni worldwide. The foundation’s healthcare programs will offer full medical coverage—including therapy, equipment, and specialist visits—for children with disabilities, completely free of charge.

“Healthcare should never be a privilege—it’s a right,” Scheyer declared passionately. “When I see these kids, I don’t see limitations. I see potential, dreams, laughter, and light. Our job, as a community, is to make sure they have every resource to thrive.”

Beyond healthcare, the foundation is launching initiatives to meet basic human needs. Mobile food pantries, clothing drives, and temporary housing solutions are already being organized, ensuring no child in the program goes without necessities. Special emphasis is being placed on creating support networks for families, including mental health services, respite care, and counseling to help parents and caregivers navigate the challenges they face.

Perhaps the most moving aspect of the announcement was Scheyer’s unwavering commitment to love—something he described as the foundation’s most powerful tool.

“Endless love—that’s our promise,” he said. “We’re not just writing checks. We’re building relationships. These kids will know they are seen, valued, celebrated, and cherished.”

As the press conference concluded, Scheyer introduced several families already set to benefit from the foundation. Among them was Lisa Hernandez, a single mother of three whose youngest son, Mateo, was born with spina bifida. Overwhelmed with emotion, Lisa tearfully expressed her gratitude.

“For so long, I felt alone, like I was carrying this burden by myself,” she shared. “But today, Coach Scheyer and the Duke family showed me that we’re not alone. Mateo has a whole army behind him now.”

The response from the Duke community has been nothing short of extraordinary. Social media quickly erupted with praise for Scheyer, with hashtags like #HopeRising and #CoachWithAHeart trending across platforms. Prominent Duke alumni, including NBA stars, former coaches, and university officials, have pledged their support.

Duke University President Vincent Price lauded Scheyer’s efforts, stating, “Jon embodies the true spirit of Duke—not just excellence in athletics, but excellence in humanity. His work with A Hope Rising Foundation will uplift lives for generations.”

Scheyer’s current players were also present, many visibly moved by their coach’s compassion. Sophomore guard Kyle Simmons shared, “Coach always tells us to be leaders, on and off the court. Seeing him step up like this, it makes you want to do more, be more.”

Indeed, Scheyer’s initiative is expected to inspire similar programs nationwide. Advocates for disability rights and healthcare equity have praised the foundation’s model, describing it as a blueprint for integrating sports leadership with community service.

This isn’t Scheyer’s first brush with community outreach, but it certainly represents his most ambitious and personal endeavor to date. Throughout his career, Scheyer has been known for his meticulous attention to detail, relentless work ethic, and ability to cultivate relationships—a skillset now channeled into building a foundation that could reshape countless lives.

In closing his remarks, Scheyer reflected on the journey that brought him to this point.

“I came to Duke as a teenager with dreams of winning games,” he said with a smile. “But life showed me a bigger dream—the dream of making sure every kid in Durham wakes up with hope in their heart.”

As Scheyer stepped down from the podium, the audience rose in a standing ovation—not for a game-winning shot or a championship celebration, but for something far greater: an act of pure, selfless humanity.

In a sports world often consumed by rivalries, rankings, and records, Coach Jon Scheyer has reminded us that the most meaningful legacy isn’t etched in banners or trophies—but in the lives we lift, the hope we ignite, and the love we share.

With A Hope Rising Foundation, Jon Scheyer has proven that while basketball may be his profession, compassion is his calling. And for the children of Durham County, hope is indeed rising—one loving gesture, one healed heart, and one limitless dream at a time.