Remembering Legendary Women’s Basketball Coach Pat Summitt
Hall of Fame women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt died today (June 28) at age 64 after a five-year battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Summitt battled the disease with “fierce determination just as she did with every opponent she ever faced,” her son, Tyler Summitt, said.
In her 38 years at Tennessee, Summitt won eight national titles and 1,098 games — the most by any Division 1 basketball coach, male or female. Her teams made an unprecedented 31 consecutive appearances in the NCAA Tournament.
A Growing Community
Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is estimated that as many as 5.3 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, and research shows that every 66 seconds someone in the United States develops the disease.
Since her diagnosis, Summitt has helped to draw more attention to the disease creating the Pat Summitt Foundation, which focuses on awareness, advocacy and research. The Pat Summitt Alzheimer’s Clinic is scheduled to open at the University of Tennessee Medical Center this December.
Show Your Support
The Alzheimer’s Association sponsors events throughout the year to raise awareness and generate support and funds to fight Alzheimer’s disease.
Last year alone, Benchmark Associates walked more than 3,000 miles to raise $40,000 in The Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Benchmark Associates also used social media to raise awareness and funds through a program sponsored by Benchmark partner Welltower featuring #ShareForAlz.
Benchmark Senior Living is a leader in award-winning programs for the memory-impaired. Learn more about Benchmark’s memory care programs and find a Benchmark community near you.