Dawn Staley wears necklaces to honor brave young patients

Dawn Staley, a well-respected coach for South Carolina's women's basketball team, wore meaningful necklaces during her team's recent game. The necklaces are reminders of two individuals facing serious health challenges. One necklace is from a young girl named Blake Lee, who is currently battling cancer. Staley highlighted how this gives her perspective on their game and the struggles Blake endures. The other necklace represents a young man she met at a children's hospital who suffers from sickle cell disease. Staley shared that her own cousin passed away from sickle cell, making this connection even more personal for her. Staley emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding the hardships faced by others. She believes that while basketball is her passion, it is essential to recognize the challenges that people deal with in their lives. As her team prepares for their next game, Staley may continue to wear these necklaces or choose different symbols with similar significance. Her approach reflects her deep commitment to using her platform to raise awareness and inspire change beyond the sport.