VIDEO: Halftime with Paula Williams | Learn more about the Tough Like Tammy campaign here >>> 
 

Together, we raised $25,235 for the Tough Like Tammy campaign. In return, the Kay Yow Cancer Fund will invest $50,000 directly into Southern California.  

This money will bring lifesaving cancer care to under-resourced women in our community, serving people in the footprint of more than half of The Big West member institutions through a lifesaving grant unlocked by the fundraising efforts of the conference over the past two seasons. 

“Unlocking this grant means everything,” reflected Tough Like Tammy namesake and Big West women’s basketball analyst, Tammy Blackburn. “Living with stage 4 cancer, you learn how precious time and hope really are—and today, you’ve given us both. Because of your heartfelt support, research can move forward, and patients living with this dreadful disease can keep believing in what’s possible. Thank you for turning generosity into progress, and progress into hope.” 

Having the funding funnel directly into the area where The Big West competes makes the grant a complement to all 11 teams who raised funds and the communities that helped to support the Tough Like Tammy cause. In the coming weeks, the recipient will be announced and celebrated as they continue their vital work of breaking down barriers to care for under-resourced women.  

"What The Big West did is just incredible,” exclaimed Jenny Palmateer, CEO of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. “By stepping up and matching fundraising dollars, they didn't just support the effort - they doubled the impact. Because of this tremendous partnership, more women are going to get screenings and resources they need.  That is real impact and it is going to save the lives of many women." 

Two Big West women’s basketball programs also hit their individual goals of $1,500 raised, with Big West Champion UC San Diego and Cal Poly surpassing the mark in 2025-26. The Tritons join last year’s goal-getters Long Beach State, UC Davis and CSUN with the Mustangs meeting the set threshold for back-to-back campaigns. The Big West led the nation this season with nine student-athletes named recipients of the 2025-26 Kay Yow Servant Leader Award, recognizing dedication to community service, integrity, and supporting women's cancer research, including Cal Poly’s Alana Goosby.  

“Being a Kay Yow Servant Leader was one of the most important roles I had the honor of having this season, said Mustangs’ representative Goosby. “I took immense pride in sharing my goal of raising awareness and funds for lifesaving cancer care. Hitting our fundraising goal took talking to our community, connecting with those who have been impacted by cancer, and wearing my Kay Yow Servant Leader patch through every high and low of the season. It was extremely gratifying to be able to participate. Thank you for this opportunity and to everyone who made it possible.” 

En route to the $25,000 raised, donations big and small rolled in, with coaches, fans, family, alumni, conference partners and Blackburn herself getting in on the action yet again. Wrapping up the campaign with a gift matching the offensive rebounds tally for the month of February was Big West Commissioner Dan Butterly and his wife Alaine, adding $829 to the cause. 

“This initiative supports the NABC Coaches vs. Cancer and WBCA Play 4 Kay initiatives our teams participate in throughout the season,” said Butterly. “Partnering with and supporting Tammy Blackburn, who is truly amazing on how tough she is battling cancer, is truly motivating.  All of us know women battling cancer, and reaching this goal is an exciting announcement.” 

Nationally, the Tough Like Tammy campaign is part of the larger Play 4 Kay annual fundraising games seen across the country in February and the work the Kay Yow Cancer Fund engages in year-round.  

To date, the Kay Yow Cancer Fund has invested over $11 million through grants reaching communities across 26 states. On the research side, KYCF has helped support 20 research teams that have published more than 3,300 studies which have been cited over 140,000 times. Those studies have gone on to secure more than $520 million in additional funding, take part in 59 clinical trials, and help move 19 new ideas closer to real treatments. 

This weekend as the NCAA Women’s Final Four converges on Phoenix, the organization marks their 18th year of providing funding in the Final Four host community, supporting local programs that assist women facing cancer. 

In 2026, The Kay Yow Cancer Fund has awarded a $100,000 grant to HonorHealth in Phoenix to support women undergoing cancer treatment. Servant Leaders will also be in full force on the court this weekend as Sarah Strong (Connecticut), Maddy McDaniel (South Carolina) and Charlisse Leger-Walker (UCLA) all competed at the Final Four, and McDaniel and Leger-Walker will square off today for the National Championship at 12:30 p.m. on ESPN.  

Meet all the Servant Leaders here >>>