Pink was everyone’s favorite color this Sunday, Feb. 11. In collaboration with the Elon Women’s Basketball team, the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority hosted their annual “Play4Kay” in honor of breast cancer awareness.
The motto “Play4Kay” is in commemoration of former Elon Women’s Basketball coach Kay Yow. Yow was a huge advocate for breast cancer awareness — as she continuously fought her own battle. In 2009, Yow passed away after struggling with breast cancer for 22 years. The charity proceeds from this event went to the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. This cause has raised a total of $65 so far with a goal of $500.
Scoreboard featuring “Play4Kay” logo and QR code on where to donate.
ZTA Vice President and Coordinator of Committees Celia Hearn said this event is a great way to get involved in Play4Kay — while also teaching others about Yow’s story. Hearn also said this event is always open to the public and honors survivors and those living with breast cancer.
“This is a really great way to make our community more knowledgeable about breast cancer and do what we can to help grow, spread awareness and raise money for it,” Hearn said.
Along with Play4Kay, ZTA hosts a multitude of events in honor of breast cancer awareness. The Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation nationally supports their philanthropy of breast cancer awareness and education.
Two-time breast cancer survivor Linda Summers said she came to this event to support others who are going through a similar struggle.
“I wanted to come for all my sisters. I don’t want anybody to go through what I’ve been through,” Summers said. “I want everybody to know that cancer has no name, no color, no nothing … because it affects everybody the same.”
Summers has had breast cancer five different times, none of which are related. Thanksgiving of 1997 was when Summers discovered her first case of breast cancer — for which she quashed. Summers said every survivor has a unique story.
For ZTA Vice President of Philanthropy Education and Awareness Avi Kurtz, breast cancer awareness is very dear to her — as her mother struggled with it when Kurtz was young.
“When I was 11, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and it was a really long journey for her,” Kurtz said. “It took about two years to go through everything, she’s wonderful now and I’m really grateful for that. But it definitely gives me a huge appreciation for the strength and resilience of these women.”