Nov. 26, 2008
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The two-time Vanderbilt “Coach of the Year” had heard about a family from neighboring Mt. Juliet, Tenn. whose young daughter had been diagnosed with a brain tumor and would be driving about 50 miles a day for treatment at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. (click here to read the original story)
Swezey e-mailed her athletic department colleagues, asking for small donations to contribute toward the purchase of a gasoline gift card to help the family defray travel expenses.
“I didn’t know what to expect but I was hoping we might raise $100,” Swezey said, “and I was absolutely astounded when we collected $650. At one point it looked like our total was going to be $495 and when word of that got out it started another run of staff who wanted to be sure we hit $500.”
The gas card will assist Wilson and Kathleen Matthews, whose daughter Makenzie is now undergoing radiation and chemotherapy after a successful September surgery. The youngster will receive treatment for one year.
