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Lady Patriots to sponsor Pink Zone

Fundraiser set to increase cancer awareness

By Tommy Fleming | The News Herald

Published: January 9, 2009

MORGANTON — The Freedom High girls' basketball squad will host the Pink Zone fundraiser on Tuesday when the Lady Patriots entertain Alexander Central High on the hardwood.
The fundraiser is sponsored by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association.
Colleges and universities from all levels and high schools across the nation take part in this annual event to raise cancer awareness and money for much needed research.
"I am happy to be a member of the WBCA, so our team can take part in this event," said Freedom head girls' basketball coach Amber Fox. "It's hard to find a person whose life has not been touched by cancer in some way and one of our team goals this year is to 'give back,' so this is an excellent opportunity for us.
"We were able to raise around $300 last year, thanks to the support from our fans and we had a good time doing it. We had several drawings and a halftime shooting contest, plus I think our fans looked good in pink."
The Lady Patriots will once again don pink shoelaces for the game to show their support for Pink Zone night. In addition, they will honor Hayley Dale, a member of the JV team, prior to the game.
"We were able to honor former Freedom girls' head coach Jamie Smith, a cancer survivor, last year before the game and that really made the night special since she is a huge part of the Freedom basketball tradition," Fox said.
Fans are encouraged to show their support by wearing pink to the game and by participating in the various game night drawings and activities. Local businesses that have donated prizes or gift certificates thus far include Quaker Meadows Golf Club, Sain's Barber Shop, Friendly Friday's, Silver Creek Golf Plantation, Java Planet and The News Herald.
All proceeds with be donated to the Kay Yow/WBCA cancer fund. The fund was announced on Dec. 3, 2007 in partnership with the Jimmy V Foundation for cancer research. N.C. State head women's basketball coach Kay Yow was diagnosed with cancer in 1987 and is presently battling the disease for the third time. The partnership is fitting since Jim Valvano, the former N.C. State men's coach, lost a hard fought battle to cancer. Valvano had a close relationship with Yow.
"I have a tremendous amount of respect for both Jim Valvano and Kay Yow," added Fox. "Both are inspirations to me as coaches and as people." I am honored that Freedom women's basketball can contribute to this cause."
Kay Yow has been a college head coach for 38 years. She is one of only six Division I women's basketball coaches to reach 700 career victories.