Kay Yow was in inspiration to most everyone in the Triangle. Her struggle with breast cancer ended this morning as Yow died at age 66.
The Wolfpack women's basketball coach had fought the pain and haunts of cancer publicly.
While doing a story on sports broadcasting icon Don Shea in June of 2007, Kay Yow allowed me to follow Shea as Yow was interviewed at her Prestonwood Country Club home. Yow was done with a recent round of chemotherapy and seemingly gaining on attaining some semblance of health.
I felt, and still feel, quite privileged to be included in her life, even if it was a short moment like that one. Yow was quite accessible given her circumstance. Much like her Wolfpack counterpart Jim Valvano, Yow brought awareness to light when poeple mention the big C.
As a photojournalist, gaining access to private stories is very difficult; however, it is always worth the effort. So many people have seen Yow's story as a positive.
Words such as courage, determination, perseverance and heroic will be rightfully connected with Yow's name. I for one will remember Coach Yow for her leadership.
Every time I see a pink ribbon, jersey or shoelaces, I'll think of Kay Yow. That's positive thinking.
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