Basketball classic honors Joshua Holmes’ legacy

March 19, 2025

Joshua Holmes, right, with his daughter and father. After Holmes passed away, his father created a foundation to help others in their fight against cancer.

The 3v3 Basketball Classic isn’t just a game—it’s a powerful tribute to Joshua Holmes, a young man whose legacy of leadership and kindness continues to inspire.

Organized by the Joshua Lavell Holmes Foundation, this event raises funds for families facing cancer, local cancer centers, and students striving to make a difference in their communities.

Now in its second year, the tournament has quickly become a must-attend event in Imperial Valley. The basketball classic brings together athletes, families, and supporters to honor Holmes—a dedicated athlete, friend, and role model who lost his battle with Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumors, a rare cancer.

Meet the people behind the mission

At the heart of the foundation is Taylor Holmes, Joshua’s father, a retired CDCR sergeant.

Sgt. Taylor Holmes wearing his uniform. — Retired Sgt. Taylor Holmes.

With a career spanning 23 years and 10 months, Sgt. Holmes mentored new officers, instilling values of integrity, leadership, and service. When Joshua was diagnosed with cancer, Holmes retired from CDCR to care for his son.

After Joshua’s passing, he and his family created the foundation to provide financial, medical, and emotional support to families navigating the same difficult journey.

One of the foundation’s key board members is Correctional Counselor Lee Walker of RJ Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD) in San Diego.

Joshua’s best friend since childhood, Walker played basketball with Joshua from the age of 12. They later continued their athletic journey together at Imperial Valley College. Today, Lee plays an essential role in organizing the 3v3 tournament. He can be found designing event shirts, and ensuring the foundation’s mission reaches as many people as possible.

The Walker family help with the Joshua Holmes basketball classic fundraiser. The mom and her three children. — Lee Walker, standing, with his family: Chantel, Sharline, and Cherrell.

CDCR employees have been integral to the foundation’s success.

Walker’s family—who are also CDCR employees—have volunteered for the foundation in various capacities:

Cherrell Vereen, his sister, is a case records technician at Centinela State Prison for 7 years.
Chantel Walker, his sister, is a correctional case records supervisor at Centinela State Prison. She’s been with CDCR for 14 years, also serving at RJ Donovan and Calipatria State Prison.
Sharline Walker, his mother, retired after 26 years with CDCR, where she served as an office assistant, office technician, supervisor case records, and correctional case records analyst.

Through their efforts, the foundation has secured sponsorships, raised critical funds, and contributed to community service projects—from organizing fundraisers to cleaning up after events.

Impact of the Joshua Lavell Holmes Foundation

The foundation’s mission is to support families affected by cancer and ensure they do not fight alone. The inaugural 3v3 tournament in 2024 raised over $5,000 to benefit the Imperial Valley Cancer Resource Center. Funds also went to the family of Derik Gonzalez, who tragically lost their son.

Beyond fundraising, the foundation actively collaborates with cancer resource centers to educate, screen, and provide medical support to underserved communities across Imperial Valley. Through scholarships, outreach programs, and awareness campaigns, the organization continues to extend Joshua’s legacy of resilience and generosity.

How you can get involved

The second Joshua L. Holmes 3v3 Basketball Classic is set to be bigger and better in 2025. The foundation invites players, volunteers, and donors to join the cause and help support families battling cancer.

Tournament Date: April 12
Sign-Up Deadline: April 5
Location: Southwest High School, Imperial Valley
Website: JLH21.org

Meet Lee Walker, correctional counselor

Walker with Neva Holmes and Joshua Holmes. — Lee Walker, left, with Neva Holmes (a foundation board member) and her brother, the late Joshua Holmes.

To learn more about the foundation’s mission, Inside CDCR caught up with Correctional Counselor Lee Walker, a dedicated board member.

What inspired the creation of the foundation, and what impact has it had on the community so far?

The foundation was created to honor Joshua’s legacy—he was someone who always put others first. When he was battling cancer, his family and friends were by his side every step of the way. After he passed, we knew we had to do something meaningful to continue his spirit of kindness and support.

Since launching, we’ve been able to raise funds for cancer research, provide financial support to affected families, and bring awareness to rare forms of cancer. Our first 3v3 tournament was an incredible success, and we’re looking forward to making this year’s event even bigger.

What role do you and other CDCR members play in supporting the foundation’s mission?

Many CDCR (staff) have a personal connection to Joshua and his family, so it was only natural to get involved. We help with event planning, securing sponsorships, and organizing fundraisers. My sisters and mother—all CDCR employees—have been hands-on in every aspect. (They are) picking up trash after events to reaching out for community partnerships. It’s a full team effort.

How can people contribute to or get involved with the foundation’s efforts?

There are so many ways to help. You can sign up to play in the tournament, volunteer at the event, sponsor a team, or donate directly to the foundation. Even small contributions make a big difference in the lives of families facing a cancer diagnosis.

Story by David Maldonado, Deputy Chief
Strategic Communications and External Affairs
Office of Public and Employee Communications

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