Feb. 8, 2012
NORMAL, Ill. -
The Play 4 Kay games are getting ready to tip-off across the nation, with dates for the games set from Feb. 10-20. The Illinois State women's basketball team's Play4Kay game is scheduled for Sunday, but the Redbirds got into the spirit a little early this year, while supporting Division III Illinois Wesleyan in its event.
On Saturday, Feb. 4, the Titans defeated North Park, 72-58, with ISU in attendance. The Play4Kay game has special meaning to Illinois State and Illinois Wesleyan. IWU's head coach Mia Smith was diagnosed with breast cancer in June and has been undergoing treatment since her diagnosis, while ISU head coach Stephanie Glance worked on the legendary Coach Kay Yow's staff at North Carolina State for 15 seasons and was with Coach Yow during her battle with cancer and when she succumbed to the disease.
Coach Yow is who the Play4Kay event is named after, which is sponsored by the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, a non-profit organization founded by Kay Yow that raises money for women's cancer research.
Glance is a member of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund Board of Directors and a large supporter for raising money for women's cancer research. So, it was no surprise that Glance decided to take time out of her and her team's busy schedule to show their support for Smith.
During the Titans' practice on Friday (Feb. 3), the Redbirds made arrangements to present Smith with a bouquet of pink roses, a CD about the Play 4 Kay event, including photos of Smith and her team, along with a card signed by the team with words of encouragement.
Smith was appreciative of Illinois State players, coaching staff and Glance for their support.
"The support I have received from Coach Glance and the ISU women's basketball team has been incredible," Smith said. "Prior to our Play4Kay game, the coaching staff and players dropped by the end of our practice (Friday) and presented me with a pink rose bouquet, a CD representing Play4Kay games that included pictures of my team that took my breath away, and a signed card by all the players with inspirational notes. Personally, I was nervous about speaking at the halftime recognition ceremony, but seeing the effort the Redbirds have put forth in promoting the cause helped to encourage me to tell my story."
At Wesleyan's Play4Kay game, all proceeds from tickets into the game went to the Community Cancer Center, and raffles and silent auctions were also held to raise money for the event.
Illinois State will host Bradley in the Redbirds' Play4Kay game, where pink will replace red in Redbird Arena. Admission to the game is only one dollar. Hot dogs, pink lemonade and frozen lemonade will be on sale for a dollar during the game. Fans can also purchase Play4Kay t-shirts, while cancer survivors will be recognized at halftime.
Coach Glance urges fans to come out to the game to support the survivors and a bigger cause.
"We want to encourage our community to come out and support a greater cause this Sunday in Redbird arena," Glance said. "Our team will be wearing pink in honor and support of all those battling cancer, and we will be celebrating and recognizing all survivors at halftime of our game. This is just a small thing we can do to support those who are battling this terrible disease and to promote awareness and continue to raise money for cancer research."
The Redbirds and the Braves will tip-off at 2:05 p.m., in Redbird Arena.
