Today, our hearts are heavy with the loss of a legend – a loss at the hand of Alzheimer’s.

May Coach Summitt rest peacefully knowing she impacted countless lives during her time on this earth. What a tremendous coach, role model, and human being.

My mother was an avid follower of women’s basketball and a big fan of Pat Summitt. Both were beautiful, strong, vibrant, seemingly invincible women – and then came Alzheimer’s.

Attitude lies somewhere between emotion and logic. It’s that curious mix of optimism and determination that enables you to maintain a positive outlook and to continue plodding in the face of the most adverse circumstances.

Coach Summitt’s spirit and memory will live on, continuing to touch lives, empower women, and inspire people of all ages. We can honor her life and all the lives lost to Alzheimer’s by boldly continuing to fight this horrific disease. We must be resolute in our determination to #ENDALZ, and we simply cannot stop until the battle is won.

In the coming days and weeks, our hearts and prayers will be with the family, especially son, Tyler, as well as Coach Summitt’s many friends, colleagues, and former players.

Read more about Pat Summitt in this New York Times article and in this press release from UsAgainstAlzheimer’s.