Welcome to Balling for the Cure.  Donovan Gayle created the Balling for the Cure Basketball Tournament in 2014 to give back to those who supported him at CancerCare Manitoba. The event consists of a men’s basketball tournament that has ran annually in late August at the University of Winnipeg.  Since its inception in 2014, the organization has generated over $20,000.

In 2017 and as per his wishes, a new initiative will see up to four $1000 scholarships awarded to grade 12 basketball players in Manitoba as a new 'Donovan Gayle Scholarship' at the annual Basketball Manitoba Awards.

This is Donovan’s way of giving back to those who supported him as well as encouraging youth to pursue their passion.  This website has been created both in honour of Donovan and to continue the Balling for the Cure legacy he started.



Donovan Dwayne Gayle

His Story

Donovan was born on March 31, 1981 in St. Catherine, Jamaica, a bouncing baby boy. He was quite the energetic child growing up; he could fill the dullest of rooms with happiness and laughter. He knew how to have fun and enjoyed spending time with his family from a tender age in Spanish Town.

Years later, when he migrated to Canada at the age of 16, he continued to develop his love for basketball and began playing the sport competitively. He was great at it and particularly loved to show off his dunking skills. Basketball became such a focus for Donovan. It allowed him the opportunity to study at the University of Maine and Brandon University in Manitoba; where is also became the Assistant coach for Brandon Bobcats. He graduated from Brandon University with a Bachelor ’s degree in Physical Education and Sociology.

Donovan’s love and compassion for serving others continued to blossom, even after he was diagnosed with Leukemia in June of 2013. Not long after his first round of treatments, he began a charity event called Balling For The Cure to help raise funds and awareness about Leukemia. Donovan gave the proceeds to CancerCare Manitoba. This charity was extremely important to him and is the child he left behind. Despite the grave challenges he faced as he fought this cancer, his heart had a mission to help others. This is the Donovan we all know and love. He faced a lot in his short life but his strength, resilience, positive attitude and perseverance have always been admirable. Three things that have always meant a lot to Donovan are LOVE, FAMILY & FRIENDS. He saw the best in people, loved hard, and showed his family and friends how important they were to him. Donovan found a new love in his recent past, and that was his love for God; he committed his life to honouring God with his “twin” sister Marlene by his side.


Some may know him as Deebo, D, Gayle, Daavan, Momma’s Boy, Baby brother or simply Donovan. Regardless of what we may have called him, he called us mom, brother, sister, sister-in-law, niece, nephew, auntie, uncle, cousin, teacher, and friend. He imparted to us, his family and friends, so many wonderful, priceless treasures from the core of his being. May his light ever shine in our hearts as we remember and celebrate his life. We are his legacy!

5:35pm...is the exact time our dear Donovan Dwayne Gayle, departed this world and left all of us behind on December 15, 2017. We are deeply saddened, but we can recall his vibrant life and celebrate him.

#Deebo4life