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A Different Kind of "Team"

August 06, 2007 4:13 PM

BRISTOL, Connecticut

I consider “sport” to be a metaphor for “life.” All of us face opponents, both big and small, at any given time.  Some we tackle solo, while others involve a team effort.  And in the end, there are those that conquer and come out victorious, and others who are defeated by the challenges they face.

Last week my former colleague, and friend, “Good Morning America” co-anchor Robin Roberts, bravely revealed to viewers that she is facing her biggest, most frightening foe….breast cancer. The former college-basketball star is once again a rookie, this time thrust onto a team of women who suffer from the same disease….over 200,000 will be diagnosed this year alone. Breast cancer survivors make up a powerful network that rivals even the biggest and best teams in all of sports. Many become advocates and lend their voice to those that don't have one. Others rally around their comrades and shower them with support in every way, shape, and form….to try and help each individual come out a “winner.”  Robin has alread received an overwhelming number of encouraging letters and emails. She has never met the majority of those who have written, which is a testament to what a “team” is all about. Today she posted the following message on ABCNews.com: "I have truly been touched by your e-mails and messages of support... I am incredibly grateful that my surgery went well Friday. Thanks for all the prayers - I owe you big time! Thank you for sharing your stories. You inspire me more than you could possibly know. My family and I are eternally grateful."

One of Robin's new “teammates” is North Carolina State women’s basketball coach Kay Yow, a mutual friend of ours. A Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, Kay has accomplished more than most in her line of work. She is a fighter…a competitor….and a breast cancer sufferer. She once again finds herself is in the fight of her life, giving it her all, determined to conquer this deadly disease. Kay has instilled these qualities into the young women she coaches. This has made them better players. And people.

When I asked Kay about the range of emotions she has experienced while battling what is now her second bout with breast cancer, one thing is for certain….attitude is everything. She explains: “From the time I was first diagnosed I realized that, Kay, don’t wallow in self pity,” she said. “You’ll drown. Don’t wallow, but we’re human, it’s ok to have some pity, but swish your feet and get out. Attitude is a choice. We have zero percent control over what happens to us. I feel like I had zero control over getting cancer. But the good news is I have one hundred percent control over how I will respond to dealing with cancer. That’s when the ball is passed to me. I’m dealing with something tough. But I have the opportunity to learn things I never would have learned without going through this. I just have to be aware and alert and don’t miss it. That’s the thing that I don’t want to miss, what I can take from this, that would not only help myself to help other people. In every challenge there’s a great opportunity. And I know that from sports. I’ve been in sports all my life. I’m battling the greatest opponent. Even the home court of my arch rival is nothing compared to this. But the same feelings, that same determination, that same drive, everything about sports, these are the same feelings I have against this opponent.”

Both Robin and Kay are mentally tough, and spiritually strong….two necessary tools to help them come out on top. And if they need a pick-me-up, there are thousands of “teammates” who have got their back.

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