NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State women's basketball team has been named a Play4Kay divisional winner for the sixth year in a row, as the Redbirds raised more money than any other non-BCS Division I school, the Kay Yow Cancer Fund announced Wednesday.
Illinois State has raised over $200,000 for the organization in their 11 years hosting a Play4Kay game.
"We are so appreciative and grateful for all those who donated to the cause in an already challenging year due to the pandemic," Illinois State Deputy Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator Leanna Bordner said. "Coach Yow was, and remains, an inspirational leader who motivates all of us to do more to assist in supporting research for a horrific disease. Her vision is our vision and we thank all those who played a part in this years' event and success."
"The Play4Kay game always holds a special place in my heart," said head coach Kristen Gillespie. "To see her legacy live on and to have the outpouring of support from our community is tremendous. Coach Yow was one of my biggest role models and I could not be prouder of the Redbird family for all of their efforts in making this event a continued success."
Illinois State Athletics and the Carle Cancer Institute Normal announced in early 2020 the launch of a fundraising campaign benefiting the Kay Yow Cancer Fund that will result in a $150,000 grant in support of a program that will serve the underserved in the Bloomington/Normal community.
The vision of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund is to be the premier non-profit organization dedicated to supporting innovative ways of fighting ALL cancers affecting women and providing support through giving strength, courage and hope. Since the Fund's inception, $7.78 million has been awarded to scientific research grants and programs that serve their causes.
The Kay Yow Cancer Fund was officially founded Dec. 3, 2007, from the vision of the organization's namesake, Kay Yow, former North Carolina State head women's basketball coach. Coach Yow was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987 before succumbing to the disease on Jan. 24, 2009. The Kay Yow Cancer Fund is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization committed to being a part of finding an answer in the fight against all women's cancers through raising funds for scientific research, assisting the underserved, and unifying people for a common cause.
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