New York Liberty guard Courtney Vandersloot is the recipient of the August WNBA Cares Community Assist Award, which recognizes her efforts to raise awareness and support research for multiple myeloma.

In July 2022, Vandersloot’s mother was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a form of cancer.  Vandersloot has since made it her purpose to spread awareness and support those in the fight against multiple myeloma.

This season, Vandersloot has taken part in several events to support finding a cure for multiple myeloma. In May, Vandersloot joined the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) in the TD Five Boro Bike Tour.

On Aug. 6, during the Liberty’s Women’s Health Game, the team donated $500 for every assist by Vandersloot in New York’s 99-61 win over the Las Vegas Aces, followed by $100 for each Vandersloot assist at home for the remainder of the regular season. Vandersloot and the Liberty raised over $6,500 for MMRF.

In addition, Vandersloot and the Liberty put together a team for the upcoming MMRF Walk in October to continue to raise awareness and involve WNBA fans in Vandersloot’s mission to support research for multiple myeloma.

In recognition of Vandersloot’s efforts, the WNBA will make a $5,000 donation to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.

Each month during the season, the WNBA Cares Community Assist Award recognizes a player who best demonstrates the passion that the league and WNBA players share for giving back to their communities.