Pacers players Thad Young and Monta Ellis teamed up with Susan G. Komen of Central Indiana to arrange a special night for a group of breast cancer survivors during Sunday night's game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The two players, both of whom have been directly affected by the disease, rented out a suite at Bankers Life Fieldhouse and invited the group to enjoy a Pacers game night and a meet-and-greet after the game. They have also donated money to sponsor a Pacers Sports & Entertainment company team for the Komen Central Indiana Race for the Cure ® on April 29.
"It means a lot to us," said Pamela Martin, who was diagnosed in 2015. "To be able to have a fun evening out, a fun evening together as survivors, it's just a huge commitment from the Pacers organization."
Young's mother, Lula Hall, died in November 2014 after an 18-month battle with breast cancer. Ellis has lost multiple family members to the disease and also has an aunt who is a survivor.
Young, who has been heavily involved with the Susan G. Komen organization in his hometown of Memphis for several years, thought it was important to do the same here during his first season with the Pacers.
"I know what it's like to lose someone, to have someone going through that battle," Young said. "I just wanted them to know that we're here for them, we're in full support, and we want to try and find a cure also."
"It's great to show them the support and let them know that we're thinking about them," Ellis said. "We connected with them heart-to-heart."
Mary Jo Reed, who was diagnosed in 2010, acknowledged how we can try and see the positives that present themselves out of such a disease, namely the commonality and connections people can find that help them keep up the fight.
"I've been a survivor for seven years and I always say—which sounds a little funny—but breast cancer was probably one of the best things that ever happened to me," Reed said. "The camaraderie that we have amongst each other just from that simple tie, knowing that we're going to be there when one falters or one falls down to lift them up, it's just unbelievable."
Martin spoke to the impact an organization like the Pacers can make when it shows support to this degree.
"As well as this team does in the community, it's very appreciated. I know it's very admired," she said. "It's not something that they really have to do as far as I'm concerned. It's really going above and beyond. To go that extra mile for the community, it's huge."