(VIDEO PLACE HOLDER)

 

It was a Thursday evening at McCamish Pavilion in Midtown Atlanta where the Georgia Tech women’s basketball team would play 16^th ranked Notre Dame. It was also an evening where Tasha Butts, Assistant Head Coach of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, would be honored as she fights against breast cancer. The annual Play4Kay game was taking place that night. The Play4Kay initiative is part of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund and is their largest fundraiser with a goal of bringing communities together to honor cancer warriors in the fight against all cancers affecting women. It all started when Coach Kay Yow, who was a women’s basketball head coach for 38 years, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987 and passed away in 2009. In her 22 year battle with cancer, her goal was to inspire others to make a difference in a fight that impacts so many women across the globe.

Promotions started and emails were sent to cancer survivors who were treated at Northside Hospital. Those who RSVP’d were welcomed to a cancer survivors’ reception on the club level of the arena. There was no shortage of pink accents, with the reception area filled with pink balloons, tablecloths, and t-shirts for every survivor. During the pre-game reception, numerous speakers detailed the efforts of the Kay Yow Cancer fund and the courage and fight that Coach Tasha Butts has shown throughout her own personal battle. After food and drinks were served, the basketball game had begun.

All survivors from the reception were welcomed onto the court of McCamish Pavilion at halftime in a special recognition that would feature a speech from then CEO of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, Stephanie Glance. In her speech Stephanie announced a partnership between the Kay Yow Cancer Fund and Georgia Tech Athletics, that would ultimately result in a $100,000 grant to the Northside Hospital Cancer Institute. This grant would help the Cancer Institute support research, medical care, and education, and help work with community partners to provide support services such as transportation and lodging for cancer patients and their families.

Finally, it was Tasha’s turn to address the crowd and thank them for showing up in pink, donating to the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, and supporting those who are facing battles similar to her own. She made it very clear that the night was not about her, but about the countless survivors standing in front of her on the court, in the crowd, and women around the world who are battling any and all forms of cancer. Although the game ended in a thrilling overtime loss to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, fans leaving McCamish Pavilion that night understood there was more to that game than winning or losing. It was about giving, about hope, and an understanding that many are facing battles that need tremendous support.

If you would like to donate or learn more about the Northside Hospital Cancer Institute, click here.

To donate or learn more about the Kay Yow Cancer Fund and the Play4Kay Initiative, click here.