Written by Laura Chambers
Tomorrow, April 23, the women’s basketball team will host the 4Kendra 4K Race at Harding Academy at 8 a.m. to support a former Lady Bison who was diagnosed with cancer.
Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach David Walker, Head Athletic Trainer Ronnie Harlow and his wife Angie Harlow decided to organize the event in honor of Kendra Bailey, who played for the Lady Bisons from 2002 to 2004.
Although Walker and the Lady Bisons hope to give financial help to Bailey and her husband, they said their main goal is to show her that she is not alone.
“The Lady Bison family encompasses more than just what we do on the floor and extends past a player’s eligibility,”Walker said.”Ifwe can’t be here for Kendra, we aren’t doing our job.”
Walker, who met Bailey for the first time at a basketball game this year, said he was motivated to create a fundraiser for her after hearing the Rascal Flatts song “I Won’t Let Go.” He and Harlow borrowed the idea for the 4K from the Women’s Basketball Association that started a 4K in memory of Coach Kay Yow (North Carolina State University), who died of breast cancer in 2009. They wanted to schedule the race during Spring Sing weekend so the alumni and other visitors who come to campus will be able to participate.
When Harlow told her about the 4K, Bailey said she felt overwhelmed by the news.
“At first I was in disbelief at the fact that someone would organize an entire event for my family andme, but knowing the hearts of Ronnie, Angie and my Lady Bison basketball team, this didn’t come as too big of a surprise,” Bailey said. “I am excited to come back to Harding and see some old teammates and friends and to be able to put faces with the names of people who are praying for me.”
As soon as Bailey finished talking to Harlow, she ran 2.5 miles, the equivalent of a 4K, on a treadmill in 25.2 minutes to prove to herself that she could do it.
Bailey said she is thank- ful for the support she has received from her family, friends and the Harding community, but her faith is what has sustained her throughout her struggle.
“God is the one getting me through this,” she said. “He has given me everything I need at the exact moment I need it.”
After being diagnosed with ovarian cancer in October, Bailey underwent a surgery and chemotherapy, but her results showed that the cancer had come back. The night that she received the results was also the night that the men’s basketball team beat Arkansas Tech 80-61 to win the Gulf South Conference tournament.
When the game was over, Bailey’s husband B.J. Bailey texted Harlow to tell him that watching the Bisons win the conference championship was the only thing that was able to comfort her.
“The boys’ playing did much more than just win a conference tournament,” B.J. wrote.
As a Lady Bison, Harlow said Bailey was a physical, determined player who battled through every game despite knee issues that ended her basketball career after the first eight games of her sophomore year.
“She gave everythingshe had every day,”Harlow said. “She scratched and clawed her way through the pain. She was just a warrior.”
After her knee injury, Bailey still maintained an active lifestyle and remained involved with the women’s basketball program. Her tenacity on the court in- spired the slogan for the 4K, “Fight Like A Girl.”
The 4K has received sponsorships from several local businesses, and dona- tions helped purchase the “Fight Like A Girl”T-shirts that are turquoise for ovarian cancer awareness. Everyone who registers gets a shirt.
Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. in front of Harding Academy. The cost will be $20 for Harding students and $25 for the public. Those who would like to further donate to Bailey can mail a check to Angie Harlow at HU Box 10815, Searcy, AR, 72149.
