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NCAA News Archive - 2001
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The NCAA News
Sylvia Hatchell, head women's basketball coach at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, has taken her scare with cancer and turned it into a way to help others.
Before North Carolina's game against North Carolina State University January 14, Hatchell presented a check for $5,000 to the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, where she was treated last summer.
Hatchell's journey began in May, when she underwent tests that revealed disturbing abnormalities. She had surgery at UNC June 2, knowing there was a possibility she would awaken to the news that she had ovarian cancer. The tumor the doctors found was benign, however, and she received a clean bill of health.
"What happened this summer has given me a new perspective and made me realize how fortunate I am," Hatchell said. "I was one of the lucky ones -- I am not battling cancer. I'd like to help others fight it by doing what I can for the great programs here at UNC."
Hatchell, who is in her 15th season with the Tar Heels, pledged in July to donate $5 to ovarian cancer research for each 2000-01 women's basketball season ticket sold.
"We are so glad that coach Hatchell's outcome was good," said Dr. Linda Van Le. "Speaking for myself and my colleagues, physicians who take care of patients with ovarian cancer, we appreciate coach Hatchell's willingness to speak about her experience openly and bring attention to ovarian cancer, a disease with a generally poor outcome, the threat of which women face every day in their lives."
For more information on the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and its programs, see http://cancer.med.unc.ed.
-- Kay Hawes
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