Tournament raises money for breast cancer awareness
For the past five years, Hoops4L.Y.F.E. (H4L) has held an annual basketball tournament to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer. This year, the nonprofit decided to dedicate the majority of the funds to Taneisha Gist, who is fighting breast cancer.
Each year the nonprofit focuses on an individual to assist in her fight against breast cancer. This year, Gist was chosen by Brittany Ward, founder of H4L, because she has witnessed Gist battle cancer as her close friend.
Ward started the tournament five years ago because one of her close friend’s mother was dealing with breast cancer. She says another factor was that many people donate to research, but she felt it was important that those dealing with the disease can actually use those funds for food or bills.
“Each tournament tells a story and the story this time is Teneisha Gist,” said Ward. “She gets to tell her story about the affects of cancer and how it impacts those in her family.”
This year, the tournament was held at Hanes Hosiery Community Center. Along with basketball, the tournament included several vendors and games for the children to play.
The Dunk Godz and Hoops4L.Y.F.E 2.0 were the two teams that faced off in the final game of the single elimination tournament. The closely contested game went into double overtime where Hoops4L.Y.F.E 2.0 finally prevailed.
“I am just honored to be that person that can bring this event to the people and it be a success,” Ward continued. “The event has definitely grown and the players are coming from all over the Triad area. I am just excited about putting a face to this disease in the community.”
Ward went on to say that women have to become more vigilant in getting breast exams. She says early detection can mean the difference between life and death.
Ward says she is appreciative of the fans for coming out and supporting her cause. She said she is thankful for the community not only supporting the tournament, but also Hoops4L.Y.F.E as a whole.
“I am very thankful that all these people came out to support this cause,” she said. “We have to let our black and brown women know about the affects of this disease. This year was about Taneisha and the community came together to rally behind her.”
