In communities across our nation, people are doing whatever they can to fight the fight against cancer. Coach Kay Yow, was a former head coach of North Carolina State’s Wolfpack women’s basketball team from 1975-2009 when she lost her battle to cancer. Coach Yow was passionate about uniting the nation of coaches, players and the women’s basketball community to do something for the greater good that far exceeds wins and losses on the court. The Play4Kay Campaign started in 2007 and continues to grow nationwide, with the goal of raising funds to support women's cancer research.
This year, the University of Oklahoma (OU) women’s basketball team accepted nominations from many OU fans. Names of tough and courageous cancer survivors were submitted for a chance to receive VIP treatment (as part of OU’s annual #Play4Kay weekend). Five top winners were selected from hundreds who were nominated in the contest. Throughout her time as head coach of the University of Oklahoma Sooners women’s basketball team, Sherri Coale and her staff have been innovators pushing the Play 4Kay efforts forward. Coach Coale shared a story with the contest winners, letting them know how much her friend, Coach Yow meant to her, and how she battled the disease. Coach Coale shared that the women of the OU basketball program were so passionate about this fight that many of them started personally contributing money to the fund on a monthly basis. During half-time, the team presented a check to the Play4Kay fund that was over $4,000.00. Each year, their efforts generate fresh excitement while celebrating the survivors that inspire us every day.
During the past few years, some designated survivors have been treated to a “Pink Carpet” Welcome, a pre-game reception and honor. This year, the team decided to increase the level of attention for the winners with a limo ride, a makeover, and tickets to watch OU vs. Texas women’s basketball game at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, OK.
Aeronautical Center employee, Teresa Farrell, a Management and Program Analyst in the FAA’s Logistics Center – Quality Management Systems Branch (AML-032) knew in her heart that she needed to nominate a fellow friend and colleague for this year’s recognition. In her nomination, Teresa expressed that she has known this fun loving coworker for over 20 years but never thought her friend would ever have to endure the challenges of breast cancer, and all the surgeries that accompanied it.
Teresa says, “I feel like Michelle is an awesome warrior, who has overcome her cancer, and I am blessed to have her as a friend. She has done so much for the Aeronautical Center. I was honored to nominate her as a SuperStar. We were both surprised when she was picked as one of the winners, but I am sure glad that she was!”
Teresa’s friend, Michelle Jones, is a Management and Program Analyst in the Office of Facility Management – Operations and Maintenance Division (AMP-300). Michelle’s breast cancer was detected through a mammogram in 2014. Along her treatment journey, Michelle documented her process in a personal journal, chronicling the depths of the disease and its torture on her, both mentally and physically. But Michelle’s survivor mindset actually began years before her diagnosis, as she tragically lost her only son in July 2003. It’s taken about ten years for Michelle to speak openly about her loss without getting emotional. Determined to face this illness with tenacity, and through her faith, Michelle is proving that she is winning the battle. In September 2015, she was declared cancer free. Michelle is still taking oral chemotherapy and is scheduled to do so for a few more years. Michelle speaks candidly about her cancer treatments, knowing that members of her family are at high risk. In fact, as Michelle was identified as being in remission, her grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Statistics show that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
On February 18th, while fans entered the Lloyd Noble Center dressed in varying shades of pink, winning the basketball game represented just one of the goals for the afternoon. Creating awareness and raising funds to support women’s cancer research were among the other important orders for the day. To date, the fund has allocated more than $5 million towards cancer research.
Special thanks to Teresa Farrell for nominating a fellow colleague for this extraordinary recognition. Congratulations to Michelle Jones for continuing to win the battle against cancer and being courageous in sharing your story.
