RALEIGH, N.C. – The Illinois State women's basketball program was recognized as a Play4Kay National Award Winner for the fifth year in a row, as announced by the Kay Yow Cancer Fund on Friday morning.
For the fifth year in a row, Illinois State has won the Division I BCS and Non-BCS national awards. The Redbirds have now been named a Play4Kay divisional winner for 11 straight seasons.
"Having played for Coach Yow and been a part of her staff in the final years of her life, I know how much the Play4Kay campaigns mean to so many in a broad sense," Illinois State head coach Kristen Gillespie said. "Our department, University, community, fundraising captains and sponsors continue to amaze me with their support. As Play4Kay becomes bigger each year, I know we are all a part of carrying out Coach Yow's vision, and for that, I am grateful."
Illinois State raised over $36,000 for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund at its annual Play4Kay game earlier this season on Feb. 1 against Bradley. The Redbirds have fundraised over $390,000 for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund and the fight against all women's cancers in their 16 years hosting a Play4Kay game.
"We are so grateful that our efforts match Coach Yow's vision by uniting coaches and a community, advancing cancer research and lifting up survivors," ISU Chief Operating Officer/SWA Leanna Bordner said. "We have been successful in raising funds during our Play4Kay events in large part due to the support of our university and athletics department leadership, campus and community volunteers who serve as captains and are passionate about this fundraising cause and local sponsors who make our annual Play4Kay game a priority."
The Kay Yow Cancer Fund was officially founded on December 3, 2007, from the vision of the organization's namesake, Kay Yow, former NC State University head women's basketball coach. Coach Yow was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987 before succumbing to the disease on January 24, 2009.Â
The Kay Yow Cancer Fund is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization committed to raising money for life-saving cancer research, supporting programs that provide access to quality cancer healthcare to the underserved, and uniting people in the fight against all cancers affecting women. To date, the Kay Yow Cancer Fund has awarded $11.1 million in the fight against all cancers affecting women. For more information on the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, please visit KayYow.com.
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