Feb. 18, 2014
By Tyler Feldman, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - "When life kicks you, let it kick you forward."
Those were the words said by the late, great Kay Yow, former North Carolina State University head women's basketball coach who passed away in 2009 of stage four breast cancer.
In her honor, the Kay Yow Cancer Fund was created in 2007 and the WBCA Pink Zone was formed. Now, her fund is one of six beneficiaries of the Pennsylvania Pink Zone.
And even though No. 11/11 Penn State (20-5, 11-2) defeated conference foe Wisconsin (10-15, 3-10), 78-68, on Sunday, Feb. 16 at the Bryce Jordan Center, it was more than just a game of basketball.
Just ask one of the 698 breast cancer survivors in attendance for the Eight Annual Pink Zone at Penn State.
"It is just so neat to have people acknowledge what we've been through," said 18-year breast cancer survivor and State College resident Linda McKean. "Everyone is so supportive of this cause. It's just amazing what they do."
McKean was part of 3,499 years and six months worth of breast cancer survivorship present at the game yesterday, to not only cheer on the Lady Lions, but also to also raise awareness for the disease that gave her the battle of her life 18 years ago.
The entire arena, packed with 12,585 fans, was covered from head to toe in pink. From the 12,000 pink shakers, to the 10,000 pink light up bands, to the pink shirts, to the cheerleaders and dancers' pink pompoms.
There were also pink hats, the Penn State pink-trimmed jerseys with pink shoes, all the way to Penn State head coach Coquese Washington's pink skirt.
The entire Bryce Jordan Center lit up in pink was an extraordinary site for an extraordinary cause.
"It is a phenomenal day for us," said Washington. "There are so many people partner with our program from the community and from within Intercollegiate Athletics for this cause. They give their time and efforts to make this day a special celebration for the survivors.
"Every year we have this opportunity to celebrate people who are battling breast cancer and the courage, the fight and the determination that it takes to do that day-in and day-out. This is our way of honoring them and giving back to them. It means a lot to me."
One in every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. At yesterday's game it was announced that after eight years in existence the Pennsylvania Pink Zone had surpassed the $1-million mark in funds raised.
It simply is amazing what a group of determined people can accomplish when they all have a common goal: to find a cure.
"The fight against breast cancer transcends the game," said Wisconsin head coach Bobbie Kelsey. "The game is a way to show them that we really are fighting with them as far as raising money. Penn State does a great job and we try to do our part as well to raise money for breast cancer research. My aunt had breast cancer and she survived. Hopefully, one day there will be a cure and we won't have to play these games."
It was clear that the players understood the meaning of yesterday's contest, too. The game was about more than just winning and losing.
"We love Pink Zone," said Penn State senior forward Talia East. "It is a game where we go out and give our all. Coquese [Washington] talked to us about playing outside of ourselves and playing for all of the survivors and people who are going through treatment that were in the arena. We were just so happy and blessed to be able to play for them."