The Wolfpack women had cut Maryland's lead to 3 points early in the second half. Playing the 4th ranked team in the country, State picked a bad time to shoot a season low 32 percent. That's the sports angle to the story. The REAL angle was seeing a day of hope. Sunday's game at Reynolds Coliseum was called Hoops for Hope. It was a tribute to those who HAVE and ARE battling breast cancer...or any cancer for that matter.
An hour before tip off, Reynolds Coliseum was buzzing with activity. Various sponsors of the event had their booths set up and fans walked the halls of Reynolds with curious eyes. You couldn't move a foot without being reminded of breast cancer. Pink was the color of the day...a perfect blend of red and white. Bracelets, bags, balloons, stickers, shirts, scarves and ribbons.
Fans scooped up as many reminders as they could. Cancer survivors did the same with extra wide smiles and they were properly paraded on the court at halftime with a message that needed no ink. I know cancer...I hate cancer...but cancer will NOT take my spirit. Cancer is a very private disease but on Sunday, sharing was OK. Small groups huddled to tell stories about their personal battles. If you felt like talking about losing your hair or sense of taste because of chemotherapy, Hoops for Hope gave you that opportunity.
Last week I received an e-mail from a Wolfpack friend of mine telling of her latest challenge with cancer. I had no idea she was the latest target. I got to see her Sunday at Hoops for Hope and it was an accomplishment for her just to be there. I didn't work the game but got to experience it as a fan and maybe by fate, I sat one row in front of Pam Valvano.
I couldn't help but wonder what she was thinking. This is the place where her late husband Jim Valvano celebrated his crowning moment as national champions in 1983.
It was also the place where Coach V, weakened by cancer, gathered enough
strength to deliver the quote, "Don't give up, don't ever give up." Pam and
Jim's daughter, Jamie is currently in an unfair battle of her own with
cancer. Understandably, Jamie wasn't at the game on Sunday but I hope Pam
was able to find one comforting moment in the festivities that she could
share with Jamie.
I'm sorry that coach Kay Yow has her own personal bout with cancer but I
thank her and ALL who were involved in putting this event together. So many
cancer patients LOSE hope...Sunday was a day of hope and that's the final
score.
Jeff Gravley
