To honor and recognize those affected by women’s cancers, The Kay Yow Cancer Fund is hosting their second annual run/walk celebration this Saturday. 

Both on and off the court, former NC State women’s basketball coach Kay Yow was known for her dedication to helping others, which is why she founded The Kay Yow Cancer Fund in 2007 after her diagnosis of cancer.

The event features two untimed routes, a 4K and a mini-K, which is about a half mile, to include individuals of all abilities in the celebration.

According to Sarah Womack, director of communications for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, this event in honor and celebration of those affected by cancer “is very upbeat and encouraging.”

“To date The Kay Yow Cancer Fund has awarded $5.63 million in the fight against all women’s cancers,” Womack said. “It is really what Coach Yow envisioned: to help other people, and to encourage, inspire and uplift. It’s about giving strength and giving hope.”

Yow is known for the lasting legacy that she made not only on the basketball program, but also on the NC State community as a whole.

“I think the long-term and lasting legacy for Coach Yow is what she was able to do with her cancer diagnosis and the platform that she had because of her own personal battle with cancer,” Womack said. “She wanted to use that in a purposeful way to help others and so she started the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.”

Despite her passing from cancer in 2009, Yow’s impact is still felt throughout NC State and NC State Athletics.

“Her legacy is as big as Jimmy V’s here at NC State,” said Akela Maize, a fourth-year studying communication and a center on the NC State women’s basketball team. “She led this program to a great lot NCAA runs and appearances. She had a lot of accolades to her name.”

The event is open to all members of the community regardless of their connection to the cancer community.

“The event should be important to everyone, not just students, not just the people who have been affected by cancer,” Maize said. “Whether it’s a family member or their personal self. It should be important because it is about the fight.”

Despite her 22-year on-and-off fight with cancer, Yow had over 700 career wins and multiple championship appearances and wins.

“Her fight on its own with her cancer was a really big motivation for all the fans and the players that she coached,” Maize said.

The run/walk is scheduled for 9 a.m. beginning in Stafford Commons. Students who are interested in participating in the event can visit the Kay Yow Cancer Fund website or can register at the event in Stafford Commons on the day of the event. Registration is $25 and includes a Nike T-shirt in the fee.