PLAY4VAN: Cancer Sucks

For any of my blog readers that might not know me personally, I'll give you a brief introduction.

My name is Essence Baucom and I am a senior (boy does the time fly!!) at Elon University and I am also a member of the women's basketball team. I started this blog as a class project but to also discuss topics involving something I'm VERY passionate about....BASKETBALL!! I've been playing this game since I was about 5 years old and it has impacted my life in so many ways. 

So for my first post, because we are in the month of February, which in women's college basketball is very significant because its the month where we recognize victims of breast cancer in the "Play4Kay" games. These games are always very special to me because I have a personal connection with a breast cancer survivor who happens to be my grandmother. The Play4Kay games always remind me that the game of basketball is so much bigger than myself. I thank God every day that she still has the opportunity to come & cheer me on. I'll never forget the feeling when I heard she had breast cancer! But because God has his hands on her, she's still here! She is the true definition of strength & with the help of God, she was able to defeat cancer! Basketball is more than just a game & my grandma has always taught me to never take it for granted & I know there is no way possible I could play this game the same way without seeing her smiling face in the stands! She keeps me going & will forever be motivation and a driving force behind everything I do. When these type of situations occur you never really consider the idea that it could effect you or someone you love. As a college basketball player the month of February is very personal for me & I'm proud that this platform is used to continue to raise awareness for this disease as well as raise money in hopes of finding a cure and helping those who are battling with sickness everyday! I'm proud to be able to say that every time I lace up and step foot on the court, I Play4Van. 

-EbHoops