Breast cancer survivors celebrate Yow's return

RALEIGH, N.C. — Wolfpack women's basketball coach Kay Yow and other breast cancer survivors joined hundreds of supporters for a special game called Hoops for Hope on Sunday, marking Yow’s return to the bench after two months of cancer treatment.

At the historic Reynolds Coliseum on the North Carolina State University campus, Wolfpack red took on a distinct shade of pink -- the universal color for breast cancer awareness.

“I love it,” said Wolfpack fan Jackie Parrish. “I love it. If there's anything prettier than Wolfpack red, it's pink today.”

Hoops for Hope featured a silent auction, a brunch and a health fair. Fans came out to support the charity event and celebrate the leader of the Lady Wolfpack, who was back on the bench after a third bout with the disease forced her to take a leave of absence last November.

“Everybody is thrilled to have (Yow) back,” said N.C. State Chancellor James Oblinger. “You just need to be out on the street around here to see the tremendous enthusiasm. Everybody here now wearing pink, all for Coach Yow, all for a good cause.”

A parade of cancer survivors took over the floor at halftime as N.C. State officials presented a check worth more than $43,000 to the Susan G Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer Research. The words on the T-shirts worn by some in the audience made their point, but their emotions said it all.

“It's so wonderful,” said cancer survivor Ellen Baker. “It's such a community of people you have an instant connection with. It's terrific.”

The game between the Lady Wolfpack and Boston College capped off an event that was about more than just basketball. That's a point that wasn't lost on Yow.