The Big West has announced the return of its Tough Like Tammy fundraising initiative for the 2025-26 women’s basketball season and the goal of securing a $50,000 grant from the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. 

The joint venture between Big West women’s basketball, the Kay Yow Cancer Fund and Big West women’s basketball analyst Tammy Blackburn, has raised more than $25,000 in support life-saving research on all cancers affecting women since its inception in 2023. 

At the heart of this movement is Tammy Blackburn—a stage 4 cancer thriver, fierce advocate and the inspiration behind this powerful initiative. The Tough Like Tammy campaign invites participation in all 11 Big West markets through Play4Kay game activations, direct support for women battling cancer, investment in local communities and offering hope and healing to those who need it most. 

The effort in 2025-26 revolves around securing a $50,000 grant to assist women in underserved communities in southern California. Currently, the Tough Like Tammy program stands over 60% of the way towards reaching the goal. 

Fans are encouraged to assist in reaching the goal through one-time donations in any amount or pledges for each offensive rebound secured during the final month of the Big West women’s basketball season. Fans can donate today at BigWest.org/TLT.  

“Tammy Blackburn embodies what it means to face life with courage, toughness and grace,” Big West Commissioner Dan Butterly said. “Our coaches, fans and friends have been nothing short of extraordinary in rising to the challenge of being ‘Tough Like Tammy’, and today our fight carries on. The Big West and all 11 institutions remain steadfast in supporting Tammy and the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, knowing that reaching our goal means critical, life-saving care for daughters, sisters, mothers and grandmothers in the markets we serve.” 

A check for all monies raised will be presented during halftime of the women’s championship game of the 2026 Big West Women’s Basketball Championship at Lee’s Family Forum in Henderson, Nevada on March 14, 2026.   

“Tough Like Tammy is bigger than me—it’s about this entire Big West family of athletes, coaches, administrators and fans who have stepped up to reach for something greater,” Blackburn noted. “The monies raised to date, and the grant we seek will not save my life, but it is my hope that Big West fans will join us to make a game-changing difference for others.” 

All proceeds from Tough Like Tammy will benefit the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. Since the fund’s inception, more than $9.5 million has been awarded for scientific research and related programs focused on women’s cancers and helping the underserved.  

“The Big West’s commitment to Play4Kay in honor of Tammy Blackburn is truly inspiring,” said Kay Yow Cancer Fund CEO Jenny Palmateer. “Coach Yow created Play4Kay to unite our game around one purpose—to lift up and celebrate cancer survivors, thrivers, warriors, and their families. For Tammy and so many others living this fight, these efforts are personal in the truest sense—they mean more time, more hope, and more lives saved. That's the power of what we can do together, and we're so grateful to everyone in the Big West for carrying that spirit forward."