Inspiring Conversations with Jenny Palmateer of Kay Yow Cancer Fund

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny Palmateer.

Jenny, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin? 
Two-time Wolfpack captain during my playing career in 1989-93; during my time in undergrad was when my love and adoration for Coach Yow began. After graduating, I went on to have a 21-year coaching career in Division I Women’s basketball, where 10 of those years were spent alongside Kay Yow, my mentor and former collegiate coach. 

I was fortunate to have a personal relationship with Coach Yow; she was much more than a coach to me. She was my mentor and friend. I learned as much about life from her as I did x’s and o’s. 

In 2018, I had the opportunity to join the Fund as the VP of Program Development. It was really a no-brainer the Kay Yow Cancer Fund is not only an amazing organization doing meaningful work, but it’s her legacy, and we get to be a part of carrying it. 

As a former Division One athlete and through my career in college athletics and the non-profit sector, I have learned the importance of teamwork. I’ve seen first-hand the great things that can be accomplished when people come together for a common cause, and this makes me passionate about being a leader that serves. By incorporating hard work and enthusiasm as cornerstones to success, I have had the privilege of being a part of many things much bigger than myself. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I feel very blessed to have had some unbelievable opportunities. The stops along my journey have afforded me the chance to learn and grow both personally and professionally, and I wouldn’t trade any of my past experiences for anything. Life is rarely smooth, and there will always be ups and downs. In the end, it’s how we handle the ups and downs that really matters. In the words of Coach Yow, “When life kicks you, let it kick you forward!” 

We’ve been impressed with Kay Yow Cancer Fund, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Since its inception in 2007, the Kay Yow Cancer Fund has awarded $8.28 million to support scientific research and programs that provide access to quality cancer healthcare for underserved women. As part of the Fund’s underserved mission, a current focus is eliminating racial disparities in cancer outcomes. 

Nationally, we are known for Play4Kay. Play4Kay is the largest fundraising initiative of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund and is most directly the vision of Coach Kay Yow. For Coach Yow, it was simple: unite women’s basketball in the fight against cancer, using a game on your schedule as a fundraiser benefiting the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. Play4Kay has grown exponentially since its inception and is now hosted in all 50 states. 

What sets us apart from other cancer funds is that we use money raised for cancer research, but we also provide quality healthcare for underserved women. Here are some of the ways we serve the underserved: 

Access to mobile mammography units that provide mammograms for women who have little or no insurance and would not otherwise have access to screening. 

Patient navigator programs that walk women through the continuum of care, starting with screenings through diagnosis and treatment, if required. 

UNC Health Angle fund, which is designed to serve patients undergoing cancer treatment, who as a result, find themselves facing financial crisis. 

We are also traveling across the country, visiting high schools, colleges, and universities with our EmPOWERment Tour. The vision of the EmPOWERment tour is to change the narrative around all cancers affecting women by educating, empowering, and equipping the next generation with the tools needed to positively impact their family members and communities. As trusted allies within their family and community, attendees are encouraged to share the information they have learned as family and community members will be more apt to trust and listen to loved ones. These conversations within the community will lead to breaking down barriers to quality cancer healthcare, positively affecting survival rates and enhancing cancer outcomes. To date, we’ve been to 30+ schools and spoken to 1,500+ young women. 

How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
There are several ways to get involved with the fund, but the easiest way is to take part in the ongoing events near you! Our next biggest fundraising event is the Celebration Run/Walk on February 3rd. This untimed event is all about celebration and fun, allowing participants to enjoy the day at their own pace. We come together to celebrate cancer survivors, thrivers, caregivers, and those in the fight to end all cancers affecting women! 

In the fight against cancer, everyone can make a difference. Through our signature events and numerous “Do It Yourself (DIY) and grassroots fundraisers, there is a place for everyone to make a difference. 

Pricing:

• 2024 Celebration Run/Walk Participant Registration $30

Contact Info:

• Website: Kayyow.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayyowfund/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kayyowcancerfund
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kay-yow-cancer-foundation/mycompany/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/KayYowFund
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy1oQ5vQKXaVBTT8V50RtXw