The Battle Against Breast Cancer is Everyone's Fight
By Tricia Cullop, Head Women's Basketball Coach
Feb. 20, 2020
Cancer is such a scary word.
I still remember the phone call I received from my mother when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After I answered and she said, “Tricia”, her voice cracked and we both cried. She couldn’t get the words out, but I knew what she was trying to say. She had found a lump, and we were anxiously awaiting the test results. Unfortunately, they were not what we had hoped for. She was already battling congestive heart failure and that was tough enough. On top of that cruel reality, she would now need a mastectomy. I remember thinking, she doesn’t deserve this! Why her? Hasn’t she been through enough? She always impressed me with her courage and strong faith no matter the obstacle. Once she healed from the surgery, the next test was becoming comfortable with her body again. As with many people, the psychological healing is just as tough. You want to look in the mirror and see yourself the way you used to be. Thanks to organizations like, “That Special Woman” in Toledo, who sell women’s prosthetics, bras and wigs, my mother started to gain confidence to be in public again. The women who worked at that shop were so sweet, kind and thoughtful. During such a difficult time, they made her feel like she wasn’t alone.
My mother survived her breast cancer scare, but we eventually lost her last May to complications of heart failure. You learn a lot about people when they are going through tough times. I am so proud of how hard she fought until she could fight no more.
For many years, our team has helped with the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Toledo. I’ve watched my dear friend, Chrys Peterson, lead the charge for breast cancer awareness in our community and encourage women to get tested. There’s nothing more touching than seeing the survivors at the race, but also the many people who participate who are running or walking in memory of a loved one. With Chrys’ help the past 12 years, we have hosted our “Rockets for the Cure” game to raise funds to beat this dreaded disease and have raised over $142K with your amazing support. We raise the funds through silent auctions and a live pink jersey auction with the help of our players at the conclusion of the game.
I know I’m not alone in my family’s breast cancer story as there are too many stories to tell in our Toledo community. One thing that is certain is that early detection greatly improves outcomes. I hope we can count on you to show up to our "Rockets for the Cure" game on Saturday at 2:00 p.m., wear your pink with pride, and help us raise dollars that will positively impact lives.
I’ll be there coaching in memory of my mother, Jannette Cullop.
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Organ Donation is the Greatest Gift You Can Give (Feb. 12, 2020)
Rockets Keep Winning the Recruiting War (Feb. 6, 2020)
Candle's assistant coach hires are great news for the Rockets (Jan. 31, 2020)
