Washington, D.C. (May 17, 2024) – The Kay Yow Cancer Fund recently announced a grant in the amount of $50,000 to the MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.
The grant was presented at the Washington Mystics home opener on Tuesday, May 14, by coaches, on behalf of coaches nationwide, and in honor of former Mystics Hall of famer and coach, Nikki McCray-Penson. It will be used to provide access to cancer care for under-resourced women in Washington D.C. through the Patient Support Services Fund.
“Nikki had a big smile and an even bigger heart,” said Jenny Palmateer, CEO of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. “Much like our founder, Coach Kay Yow, she used her own battle with cancer and her platform to uplift others. Through this grant, her impact will live on.”
Through the support of the Mystics and the entire community of women’s basketball coaches, players, officials, and fans, the Fund has been able to award $8.55M in the fight against all cancers affecting women. Through public displays of support like this one, we are able to raise awareness and provide strength, hope, and courage to those who are battling the disease.
Following the game, the Kay Yow Cancer Fund made an Empowerment Tour stop at the Potomac Jobs Corp Education Center.
The Empowerment Tour provides a way to plug-in with a younger generation, encouraging them to use their platform and influence to help break down barriers to quality cancer healthcare for their loved ones. Through the Tour, the Fund’s goal is to reach thousands of people and community members nationwide.
“Taking a holistic approach to battling cancer and bringing communities together has always been at the heart of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. Having the opportunity to do this alongside the Mystics, the MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and the Potomac Jobs Corp Education Center for the local community is incredible,” said Jenny Palmateer, CEO of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.
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About the Kay Yow Cancer Fund
The Kay Yow Cancer Fund was officially founded on December 3, 2007, from the vision of the organization’s namesake, Kay Yow, former NC State University head women’s basketball coach. Coach Yow was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987 before succumbing to the disease on January 24, 2009. The Kay Yow Cancer Fund is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization committed to raising money for life-saving cancer research, underserved programs that provide access to quality cancer healthcare, and uniting people in the fight against all cancers affecting women. The Kay Yow Cancer Fund has awarded $8.55 million in the fight against all cancers affecting women. For more information on the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, or to donate, please visit KayYow.com.
About MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
At MedStar Health, we use the best of our minds and the best of our hearts to serve our patients, those who care for them, and our communities. Our 30,000 associates and 4,000 affiliated physicians are committed to living this promise through our core SPIRIT values—Service, Patient first, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, and Teamwork—across our more than 300 locations including 10 hospitals, ambulatory, and urgent care centers. As the medical education and clinical partner of Georgetown University, MedStar Health is training future physician leaders to care for the whole person, and is advancing care through the MedStar Health Research Institute. From our telemedicine and urgent care services to the region’s largest home health agency, we’re committed to providing high-quality health care that’s also easy and convenient for our patients. At MedStar Health—It’s how we treat people. Learn more at MedStarHealth.org.