Dereck Lively II knows firsthand how overwhelming and impactful medical debt can be on a family, having witnessed his mother battle cancer throughout his childhood. After being with him on draft night and watching nearly every home game, Lively’s mother passed away in April of his rookie year. With his third season in the League already underway, the 7’1 center is teaming up with national nonprofit Undue Medical Debt to provide some much needed relief to families who were once in his position.

With his Blocks for a Cause initiative, Lively II is turning blocks into donations, helping to eliminate medical debt in three key areas of the country that hold a special place in his heart: Pennsylvania, where he was raised, North Carolina, where he played for Duke and in Texas, where he stars as the Mavericks’ man in the middle. With a goal of eliminating $5 million in medical debt for families in need, Lively is contributing by donating $100 for every one of his blocks this season, which will erase up to $10,000 in debt for the most burdened.

“Undue approached me with this incredible opportunity to bring relief to families in the communities that have shaped and supported me through my toughest times, and I’m honored to be able to use my talents as a defender on the court to help my communities off the court,” Lively says.

He’s not the only one. The Dallas Mavericks have also pledged to donate $10,000. For more information and details on how to donate, head to Undue Medical Debt.

Photo via Getty Images.