Each year the Missouri St. women’s program picks one of their games as a cancer-awareness night and fundraiser for the “Play for Kay” foundation. That cancer treatment and prevention program is named in honor of the late Kay Yow, a former USA Olympic and North Carolina St. women’s head coach who died of breast cancer in 2009.
” These are some warriors. These are some fighters.”
That’s the way Lady Bear head coach Kellie Harper describes the pink-clad ladies in the front row at the Lady Bear game, who have been through the fire, sharing a special bond.
“I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, explains Sue George.
“Stage 2 breast cancer,” adds Sharon Haston, Harper’s aunt from Memphis, Tennessee.
“I have been a breast canceer suvivor it’ll be seven years in May,” adds Suzanne Johnson.
“Almost an 11-year survivor,” adds Tina McManus. “So you like to celebrate the good things.”
And that’s why this group of 20 cancer survivors gets together for the Lady Bears cancer awareness game.
“It’s just nice to be together with people who understand what you’ve been through,” George said.
“My story seemed really rough to me until you hear what some of them have been through,” Haston said. “So it’s very encouraging to know that you’re not in this alone. We have a special bond.”
And they also bond with the Lady Bear players and coaches. Touring their locker room, coaches offices, and training facilities. And they meet the players to have their pictures taken and to share in their pre-game meal.
“It’s almost better than Christmas itself,” Johnson said. “They know why we’re here but for some I think it might be a little bit too overwealming at first to discuss.”
Which is now unusual because it’s hard for anyone to understand the physical and emotional journey these ladies have endured. And even though friends and family provide a great suport system…
“There comes a time when you’re not seeing the doctors as often,” Johnson explains.
“The majority of the treatments and the surgery stops,” adds McManus.
“And you just sit,” Johnson said.
“You don’t know what to do with youself,” McManus said. “You’ve been on this roller coaster of a ride.”
“That’s when a lot of the emotions that I have tried not to let come out, comes out.” Johnson said.
“Everyone says that you’re fine,” McManus said. “But you’re never going to be the same person. Normal is not normal. You have to find yourself again.”
But ultimately, they come out of the experience having learned a lot about themselves.
“It’s made me a stronger person and to appreciate every day,” McManus explained. “I definitely have a bucket list. I went skydiving. I sang karaoke. Which I will never do again.”
“When you get the diagnosis it’s probably the worst thing that will ever happen to you,” adds George. “But if you are postive and you do fight, if you have the strength and the faith and family around you. You can make it.”
“And then you put on as they say your big girl panties and move on,” Johnson says with a laugh.
