Tennessee Athletics, Vol Network partner with Pat Summitt Clinic
A new initiative will focus on fundraising for the clinic at UT Medical Center to advance Alzheimer’s research
This morning, the University of Tennessee Medical Center, Vol Network and UT Athletics announced plans for the “ALL IN Against Alzheimer’s” campaign aimed at raising funds to support research at the Pat Summitt Clinic. Vol fans can purchase a shaker for five dollars at local retailers like VolShop, Alumni Hall, Pilot, Food City, Kroger, Cracker Barrel and more.
The clinic, named for the legendary Lady Vols basketball coach, opened in 2017. Summitt succumbed to the disease in 2016, but her legacy continues through support from the Pat Summitt foundation to conduct research and improve patient care.
“Our Tennessee family has been directly impacted by Alzheimer’s,” Tennessee Athletic Director Philip Fulmer said. “The Pat Summit Clinic holds a special place in our hearts, and we want to support the great research currently taking place there.”
Each shaker purchase will include a free 20-ounce fountain drink at any football game in Neyland Stadium this season. The partnering entities hope all fans will “shake down Alzheimer’s disease” at the Oct. 20 matchup against the University of Alabama.
President and CEO of UT Medical Center Joe Landsman said, “I’m continually amazed by Tennessee fans and how they embrace the Volunteer spirit by coming together to help others.”
“It will be exciting to see fans at the game and across the state standing up against this terrible disease and in support of Alzheimer’s research at the Pat Summitt Clinic.”
Researchers expect Alzheimer’s cases to number above 16 million by 2050. Through the Volunteer spirit, fans can donate to expand work by the Alzheimer’s Research Initiative as experts search for a cure.
Featured photo by Jake Nichols
