Another joyous occasion for the University of Louisville basketball program but there was Rick Pitino wiping moisture from his eyes again publicly for the second time in four months. The last time, of course, was when Kevin Ware splintered a bone in the NCAA tournament.
The coach was having a difficult time as Dr. Thomas Kmetz, of Kosair Children’s Hospital, read a letter from a 12-year-old patient at the hospital. A boy stricken with cancer, fighting for his life, the youngster giving thanks for the care he is getting, praising the medical staff and volunteers. He goes into some detail describing the radiation treatments and periodic spinal shots. An uplifting message filled with hope but also acknowledging the seriousness of his situation.
The young patient’s reality underscores the importance of the fundraising project being undertaken by Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance, which will donate proceeds from sales of the 2013 NCAA championship court in Atlanta to fight pediatric cancer. The goal is $250,000.
The actual center court from the Georgia Dome will be on permanent display in the lobby at the KFC Yum! Center. The 24 x 28-foot section, weighing approximately 6,000 pounds, will be suspended from the ceiling.
No specifics were announced about how the souvenirs will be sold but Northwestern Mutual’s Kentucky Managing Partner, Dan Rivers, indicated that a 12 x 18-inch piece would probably go for about $500. He added there will two smaller versions, with one going for under $100. Full details will be made available in a few weeks.
A 10- by 10-foot replica of the center court provided the backdrop for the press conference. The backdrop will be displayed at various locations throughout the community, creating photo opportunities for fans.
Rick Pitino poses with Dan Rivers (left), Kentucky Managing Partner of Northwestern Mutual, a young cancer patient and his mother, and Dr. Kenneth Lucas, a UofL physician overseeing pediatric cancer reseach at Kosair Children’s Hospital.