When the NCAA Women's Final Four comes to town, cancer researchers benefit.
Since 2009, the Kay Yow Cancer Fund has awarded a women's cancer research grant to a research institution in the city hosting the NCAA Women's Final Four.
Monday, Moffitt Cancer Center Professor of Oncology and Medicine Dr. Martine Extermann received the $250,000 grant.
Susan Donohoe, Executive Director of the Cancer Fund, said this year, in partnership with the V Foundation, the Cancer Fund is launching a campaign to raise an additional $1 million for a Moffitt ovarian cancer research grant project.
“Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer death in women, and the survival rate for older women with ovarian cancer is markedly worse than it is for younger women,” Donohoe said.
Tampa is hosting the 2015 national women's basketball championship April 5 and 7 at the Amalie Arena.
The city previously hosted the women’s Final Four in 2008, bringing tens of thousands of visitors to the city for the games and accompanying events.
Mayor Bob Buckhorn said he's eager for his two young daughters to watch young women play sports on a national platform.
"It's an opportunity to tell them that there is nothing that should get in your way," Buckhorn said. "That you, as a young woman, have the same opportunities that every little boy does and that you have the same opportunities to compete on the biggest stage in the country and win.
Several free events, including a festival and basketball clinics, will accompany the games.
