This morning while watching ESPN I learned of something very sad that I had apparently missed when it was announced originally - Pat Summitt, the beloved University of Tennessee women's basketball coach, has been diagnosed with early-onset dementia.
This hit especially close to home for me due to my dad being diagnosed with the same thing several years ago, but I found the interviews and story on the coach to be quite inspiration. There can be no doubt that such a diagnosis is absolutely terrifying, but the coach with her customary good grace has put on a brave face and is being very open and upfront about her condition.
In the ESPN segment, Pat talked about the diagnosis, her plans for continuing to coach, and the impact it has had on both her players and family. Apparently the coach still continues to work, and says that she wants to continue at her job for approximately three more years, aiming to put at least one more championship trophy in the already impressive case.
I found the whole thing very inspirational. Pat is going to continue her life, doing what she does, and she isn't going to let this surprising and unfortunate news knock her off her path. She had a great quote today which I thought summed up her thoughts pretty nicely. Pat said, "I told my players that I will still remember their names, and I will still yell at them." What more could you ask for from this history-making stalwart.
Pat Summitt, we wish you all the best.
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