At the ages of nine and twelve, B.J. and Emily Viau had to face an unfortunate reality; their mother had been diagnosed with Huntington's Disease. The disease is a combination of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, causing its victim to progressively lose their mental and physical capabilities. In essence, B.J. and Emily were going to have to watch as they slowly lost their mom, and with no cure in sight. Through the jolt of realizing that his life would be constantly changing, B.J. Held on to the two consistent parts of his life, basketball and the love of his family.

When the hereditary disease, from which multiple people from B.J. and Emily's family had suffered, the Viau family seemed to have reached a point where they could no longer sit and not at least try to make and impact. Both Emily and B.J. themselves have a 50% chance of contracting the disease. It was a combination of this, B.J.'s love for his mother, and his passion for basketball that led to the creation of the Hoop-A-Thon. The first year had only 50 people in attendance, and raised $5000. Twelve years later the Hoop-A-Thon is raising over $50000 and drawing a drastically larger crowd around 5000.

This year the Hoop-A-Thon is experiencing a great deal of changes as B.J. himself is having a new experience; His St.Thomas basketball team has become a powerful force this year, as he plans for the Hoop-A-Thon he also has to plan for the possibility of jumping on a plane to play his next game. Just last weekend he played in Chicago with his big sis Emily boarding a plane right after a Hoop-A-Thon meeting at Eastview. Even though the family has been focused on the success of B.J. And his team, they have also been working towards revamping their own event. One of the biggest is that many of father Brian's tasks will be passed down to Emily. “All I can say is it's been a learning experience.” As Emily describes the difference as a change from being, "...part of the planning before but I didn't have a true appreciation for the amount of time and effort that goes into this event until this year." With new leadership, other changes are naturally are taking place. Emily wants to "bring a fresh face to the event. The goal is to keep things similar enough so people recognize the event but different enough to keep them interested and wanting to come back next year with more donations!" Each alteration made is with the hope that the community will develop more of an awareness and understanding of Hoop-A-Thon and raise more money towards a cure.

Emily's brother, B.J. has a similar take. He seems to be most excited about the crowd that the changes will draw. Brian predicts that the, "The record crowd will be able to watch the Timberwolves "Dunk Team" who put on a dunking act off trampolines from the FT line. We will stop the event and have everyone gather around for the entertainment." With all the new ideas that will change the event B.J. will probably get his wish. Just for donating $25 the the donate will receive a gift bag with a T-shirt and other prizes including giftcards. Donate $100 and two Timberwolves tickets worth $44 will be added to your bag. With new games for kids and adults alike, and a silent auction for the adults, the Hoop-A-Thon truly will have as Emily worded it a, "a new face."
The Viaus' are not the only ones participating in creating the changes, the Hoop-A-Thon planning committee has been out in the community getting businesses involved as well. Event planner and volunteer coordinator Emily Bryant is noticing the changes as well. As someone who worked at the Hoop-A-Thon last year, one of the biggest differences she has witnessed is, “...all the new businesses that are getting involved. We have kids going out and getting support from businesses all over Eagan, Apple Valley, and Burnsville.” It is this new support that will help contribute to both this years success, as well as any alterations made. Culvers has traditional provided custard to participants, and new contributers are bound to provided other perks from there own businesses.
These alterations have already attracted the publics attention, Elementary schools from over an hour away are planning on bringing 100 kids to the event. This in itself is a $25 donation from each equaling a minimum of a $2,500 donation. While they are at the event itself they will be able to enjoy the new games and activities added for their pleasure.
Like the Viau's life, with their mother's condition constantly changing, this years event will as well. The Viau's will continue to fight and to work for a cure, just as St. Thomas will keep fighting this for the title this week. T throughout these last 12 years basketball and love has been this families constant, and on April 12 the community is welcome to come and see it.