
UNC Children’s recently held a dedication for the Reelin’ for Research Pediatric Hematology Oncology Clinic. Established in 2009 in memory of Tony Montana, Reelin’ for Research has raised millions for pediatric cancer research at UNC. The group presented a check for $800,000 to UNC Children’s this spring following their most recent tournament.
The dedication was attended by UNC Children’s physicians and staff, pediatric cancer patients and families, and members of the Reelin’ for Research community, including sponsors.
“It is truly an honor for us to rename our hematology oncology clinic after Reelin’ for Research,” said Stephanie Davis, MD, chair of the UNC Department of Pediatrics. “Raising over $5.28 million dollars for physicians to conduct cancer research – that’s just incredible.”
During his battle with cancer, Tony Montana noted while he had lived a long and full life, children with cancer were too often deprived of that chance. Tony’s son Richard founded Reelin’ for Research to change that. At the dedication, Richard described the “unbelievable ride” of the past 14 years, reflecting on the group effort from so many individuals that has created a dedicated community of fundraisers.

Reelin’ for Research – one of the largest offshore fishing tournaments on the East Coast – has grown beyond the tournament itself, becoming a year-round fundraising effort for childhood cancer research. Funds raised by Reelin’ for Research advance research into pediatric cancers, help to develop new treatments, and ensure the highest level of patient care and support for families.
A video featuring highlights of the dedication is here.
For more information on the Reelin’ for Research fund or ways to support pediatric cancer research at UNC, please contact Keela Lyon, Senior Executive Director of Development and Communications, at keela_lyon@med.unc.edu.