2026 Bracket Challenge

Image from: In This Moment Credit: Rain Dance Productions 

As a coach, counselor, and mindfulness mentor, Alex Peavey has dedicated his life to helping others overcome adversity and uncertainty. Today, Alex and his family face untold adversity and uncertainty as he navigates terminal cancer.

The Virginia Chapter of Delta Upsilon Fraternity (DU) has created this fundraiser to help Alex, his wife, Sarah, and their two children keep moving forward. With your support, this campaign will help to relieve the Peavey family from relentless financial pressure and allow them to focus on treatment and family. 

About Alex and His Fight

Alex Peavey (UVA/DU '99) is a beloved friend, coach, counselor, and mindfulness mentor whose life has been devoted to helping others. He has had an immeasurable impact on countless individuals, especially student athletes, as they work to strengthen their mental health and share the power of mindfulness. Over the years, Alex has worked with athletes and coaches across high school, college, and professional sports including UVA, VCU, and Richmond Collegiate. Inspired by his teachings, The Peavey Project was founded by Alex's colleagues and friends, Jake McDonald and Collin McConaghy, who continue to teach these life lessons to student-athletes and coaches since Alex no longer can due to his treatments and recovery.

Alex and his wife, Sarah, are raising their two children, Bodhi and Jane, while facing an unimaginable challenge together. In 2020, doctors discovered a rare and aggressive secondary neuroendocrine cancer in his bladder, further complicating his treatment and care. At age 39, Alex was diagnosed with incurable metastatic prostate cancer. He has endured nearly 30 cancer-related surgeries, numerous rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, and ongoing hospitalizations.

For more about Alex, his impact, and his battle, please visit the following pages.

• Alex Peavey’s cancer fight unites UVA, Virginia Tech, Penn State hoops coaches - David Teel, October 19, 2025
• Match:  In This Moment: Speight’s Documentary Chronicles Peavey’s Journey - Caroline Benjamin, February 28, 2025
• The Richmonder: New documentary chronicles Alex Peavey's cancer battle - Mike Barber, December 15, 2024
• V Foundation: VCU mindfulness coach perseveres beyond all odds

Your Contributions Matter

The cost of treatment combined with the loss of income has placed an extraordinary financial burden on the Peavey family. Cancer has taken just about everything the family ever saved. Medical bills continue to arrive alongside everyday family expenses. 

Your support helps lift an enormous burden from a family doing everything they can to hold on to hope, health, and time together. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference.

The Fundraiser

100% of funds raised will go directly to the Peavey family. Contributions will be accepted through April 6 (NCAA championship game). All gifts will make a difference!

The Virginia Delta Upsilon Alumni Association will cover 100% of transaction fees up to the first $10,000 in contributions. 

Bracket Challenge

Join the UVA DU March Madness pool for the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament! Contribute by March 19 (noon) to enter. Each bracket requires a $25 contribution, and you may submit one bracket per $25 contributed — for example, a $250 contribution allows up to 10 brackets. Click here for the full tournament schedule.

All contributors will automatically be entered into raffle for a chance to win from an assortment of prizes.

• For more information on prizes, please visit the UVA DU chapter website.
• Use the "Custom Amount" option if you'd like more brackets than the suggested amounts provide. If you'd like to contribute, but don't want to fill out brackets, that's fine too, just enter your custom amount to contribute.
• Winners will be notified after the NCAA championship game on April 6.

If you would like to make a contribution over $1,000, please contact us here and we will coordinate with you to minimize the fee incurred with your contribution.