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MISSOULA - Who better than to help Team Up Montana lead the charge against cancer than a coach? Each dollar donated to Team Up Montana benefits The Cancer Compassion Fund.

These funds are distributed in Western Montana and specifically help Montanans in need of financial support in their fight against cancer.

University of Montana head basketball coach Wayne Tinkle shares an experience that many of us unfortunately have had, he has lost a loved one to cancer.

Tinkle said his father-in-law, Robert McLeod, passed away 11 years ago from cancer, and Tinkle saw how it devastated his and his wife's families.

"It was December 1st, I remember it like it was yesterday," Tinkle said.

McLeod had celebrated Thanksgiving with some of his children, felt some stomach trouble and went in for tests. X-rays showed spots on the man's lungs and a body riddled with cancer.

"It passed through several organs, and shoot, we lost him within four months. What a tragedy to lose someone that special at such a young age."

Losing his children's grandfather has certainly fueled Tinkle's desire to get out and help raise awareness.

Wayne understands this disease in one way or another affects everybody and that's why he's proud to be a part of the Team Up Montana movement.

"You want to be able to join a team like this just because you believe in what we're fighting for and what we're competing against," Tinkle said.

"Life is a competition; and if you can channel it the right way and join forces for causes like this, then it makes it, not necessarily self gratifying, but knowing that we're doing our part to try and find some answers."

Click here to learn more about Team Up Montana.