In a move that transcends basketball and reaffirms the power of human compassion, Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer has unveiled a new chapter in his life’s mission—one that goes far beyond the hardwood. The 36-year-old rising star in college basketball is now also a rising star in humanity, having launched “A Hope Rising Foundation,” a non-profit organization aimed at transforming the lives of children with disabilities in Durham County, North Carolina.
With this foundation, Scheyer is not just building a legacy in Cameron Indoor Stadium—he’s building hope brick by brick, child by child. Through free healthcare services, access to basic needs like food and clothing, and the simple but profound gift of unconditional love, “A Hope Rising Foundation” is poised to become a sanctuary for families navigating some of life’s most difficult challenges. For many, this isn’t just charity—it’s a lifeline. And for Jon Scheyer, it’s a calling.
A foundation rooted in empathy and action, “A Hope Rising Foundation” stems from Scheyer’s own deep connection to community and a lifetime of watching people fight unseen battles. During the press conference announcing the initiative, Scheyer was visibly emotional as he spoke of the families he’s already met through the planning process—parents who work multiple jobs just to afford medication, children confined to hospital beds who still smile wider than most adults, and caregivers who give everything without asking for anything.
“This isn’t about me,” Scheyer said. “This is about giving every child a chance—especially those born into circumstances they didn’t choose. They deserve joy, care, dignity, and love. Every single one.”
The initiative will begin with a state-of-the-art community wellness hub in the heart of Durham County, scheduled to open in early 2026. The facility will offer pediatric healthcare, mental health services, occupational and physical therapy, dental care, nutritional support, and more—all completely free to qualifying families. Mobile health units will also be dispatched to underserved areas in the county to ensure no child is left behind due to transportation or mobility challenges.
In addition to health care, “A Hope Rising Foundation” will address daily hardships that often get overlooked. The foundation plans to provide essentials like clothing, hygiene kits, school supplies, and emergency food packs to families in crisis. A small army of volunteers—including local college students, medical professionals, and faith-based organizations—has already pledged their time and resources to keep the mission alive and thriving.
One of the most moving aspects of the foundation is its emotional commitment to love—not just assistance. A team of “Hope Ambassadors,” many of whom have faced disabilities themselves, will be trained to work directly with children and families, providing mentorship, emotional support, and a reminder that disability does not mean invisibility. These ambassadors will be the living heartbeat of the program, offering not just help, but human connection.
Durham County has long been a community of contrasts—home to world-class hospitals and universities, but also burdened by deep-rooted disparities in health access and economic opportunity. For children with disabilities, these gaps can become gaping chasms. Jon Scheyer’s foundation aims to close that divide, not with bureaucracy, but with boots-on-the-ground service and heartfelt action.
The response from the Duke community and beyond has been overwhelming. Former Duke players, university officials, and even rival coaches have reached out in support of Scheyer’s bold initiative. Mike Krzyzewski, the legendary former Duke coach and mentor to Scheyer, called the launch “one of the proudest moments in Duke basketball history—not because of a trophy, but because of a heart.”
“He’s coaching with his soul,” Krzyzewski said. “And that’s bigger than any Final Four.”
Several of Scheyer’s former players have already volunteered to be part of the foundation’s outreach programs, using their platform and influence to advocate for children who are so often overlooked by society. One of them, NBA player Paolo Banchero, pledged a six-figure donation and promised to host a charity game in Durham this winter to raise further funds.
Beyond the basketball world, medical institutions like Duke Health and local non-profits such as the Durham Children’s Initiative have partnered with “A Hope Rising Foundation” to streamline services and avoid duplication. This isn’t just Scheyer’s project—it’s becoming Durham’s movement.
Families of children with disabilities who often feel alone now see a different future. One such parent, Angela DeLeon, whose 9-year-old son Mateo was born with cerebral palsy, fought back tears when talking about what the foundation means to her. “I’ve spent years feeling like I’m screaming into a void. But this—this is someone finally hearing us. This is someone caring enough to act.”
Scheyer’s wife, Marcelle, who holds a background in early childhood education and psychology, has played an integral role in shaping the mission and implementation strategy of the foundation. As parents of three young children themselves, the Scheyers understand firsthand the importance of nurturing children with love, structure, and opportunity.
“The world doesn’t always slow down for children with special needs,” Marcelle Scheyer said. “But we can create a space where time, love, and healing are not only possible—they’re expected.”
The timing of the foundation’s launch is also significant. Amid the ever-evolving landscape of college athletics—where NIL deals, conference realignments, and billion-dollar TV contracts dominate headlines—it’s rare to see a coach use their influence in such a selfless and purpose-driven way. But Jon Scheyer is proving that leadership isn’t just about X’s and O’s; it’s about standing up for those who can’t always stand up for themselves.
For Durham County, and for the countless families whose lives will be touched, this is more than an announcement—it’s a revolution of kindness. A recommitment to the values that bind a community together: compassion, dignity, and hope. While wins and losses will always be a part of Scheyer’s career, the legacy he’s building through “A Hope Rising Foundation” will echo far beyond any final buzzer.
As the press conference drew to a close, Scheyer looked out into a crowd that included players, parents, children in wheelchairs, nurses, and neighborhood leaders, and said with quiet confidence, “This is just the beginning. We rise by lifting others—and we’re going to rise together.”
Indeed, with “A Hope Rising Foundation,” Jon Scheyer has done more than launch a charity—he’s ignited a movement. One that will inspire, uplift, and endure. In the eyes of Durham’s children, especially those living with disabilities, Jon Scheyer isn’t just a coach. He’s a champion of the soul. A guardian of dreams. And in the words of many who witnessed the announcement, an angel in human form.
