Just say Kay Yow's name anywhere and it still strikes a chord long after her death from breast cancer.
Before her death, the legendary NC State women’s basketball coach set up the Kay Yow Cancer Fund to support women battling all cancers.
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WRAL alum Amanda Lamb, the chair and emcee of their annual Celebration Run/Walk, and cancer survivor Leslie Moore-Martinez celebrate Yow's lasting advocacy to the cause before her death in 2009.
It's something that's personal to Amanda.
"My mother had brain cancer in 2012, and I was her caregiver," Amanda said. "I was so impressed that the Kay Yow Cancer Fund supports research and access to treatment for all cancers impacting women."
The fund has awarded $8.78 million to date.
For Leslie, the fund has been just as impactful.
"Ironically, I won a pink car in a raffle for the group in 2021 before I was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer," she said. "When I was diagnosed in 2022, I went through a mastectomy and chemotherapy, and I needed blood transfusions. My daughter Ava started organizing blood drives, and we had the option to raise money for a charity.
"We decided to raise money for the Kay Yow cancer fund, and then we ended up being co-chairs of the event that year. I just felt like we were coming full circle, and it felt right to give back to their mission."
Amanda was surprised to learn how long Yow battled cancer in her own life.
"She dealt with that at the height of her career, which I think was amazing," Amanda said.
"I also love that they help underserved communities. For example, if there’s an area where people have to travel far for treatment, they help with things like transportation or lodging," Amanda said.