A Life Saved Became a Mission
At fourteen, Brandon Phillips was told he had six weeks to live. He survived stage four non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, returned to the sport he loved, and turned his second chance into a mission to bring hope and strength to families fighting childhood cancer.
Brandon Phillips - Founder
Our Story
Polo For Life was founded by Brandon Phillips, a professional polo player whose life was forever changed at just 14 years old. One morning, Brandon awoke with severe swelling and pain in his leg. Within 24 hours, he received a devastating diagnosis, stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and was given only six weeks to live.
Through five grueling months of chemotherapy, Brandon refused to lose hope. He fought with courage, went into remission, and ultimately beat the odds. That victory, however, was more than personal survival, it became the foundation for his life’s mission.
Brandon vowed to dedicate his second chance at life to pursuing polo, the sport he loved, and later to building a way to give back. By fusing his passion for polo with his determination to help others, he created Polo For Life, a nonprofit organization that provides critical support to families facing childhood cancer.
Today, Polo For Life is more than a charity. It is a movement, uniting the polo and equestrian communities, donors, and partners to bring hope, relief, and resources to families fighting one of life’s toughest battles.
Our Mission
At Polo For Life, our mission is simple yet profound:
To support families of pediatric cancer patients by providing financial relief, emotional support, and community connection.
Every fundraiser, every event, and every dollar raised is dedicated to giving families the strength and resources they need during the fight of their lives.
Our Board of Directors
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Barbara Bell Cook
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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Montana Coady
BOARD MEMBER
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Rob Gray
BOARD MEMBER
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Benjamin Randall
BOARD MEMBER
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RITA A. REIK, MD
BOARD MEMBER
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PJ RIZVI
BOARD MEMBER
Why We Exist
Childhood cancer does not only affect the patient, it affects entire families. The emotional, physical, and financial toll can be overwhelming. That’s why Polo For Life steps in. We partner with local hospitals, treatment centers, and community organizations to ensure families have the resources, care, and hope they deserve.
Every story of survival, every family we support, and every breakthrough we help fund is a reminder of why we began, because Brandon Phillips once beat impossible odds, and now, through Polo For Life, countless others can find hope too.
Make a donation
Your gift helps us provide hope and support to children and families facing pediatric cancer. Every donation makes a difference—please consider giving today.