ODESSA – On January 26, 2023, UT Permian Basin basketball hosts the Western New Mexico Mustangs, but for the Falcons this day will be about more than just basketball.

UTPB is proud to announce it will be one of the schools to host a "We Back Pat" game to raise awareness and funds for the Pat Summitt Foundation and its battle against Alzheimer's disease.

Vice President for Athletics, Todd Dooley, had a very personal relationship with Pat Summitt, and he is excited about the opportunity for the Falcons to honor her and her legacy by taking part in this event.

"Pat's influence on my life cannot be overstated," said Dooley. "The life lessons I learned working with the women's basketball program at Tennessee shaped the person I am today. I am extremely grateful I knew Pat on and off the court."

The mission of the Pat Summitt Foundation is to fund research to find effective treatments, prevention and, ultimately, a cure for Alzheimer's disease.

Grants are awarded to an assortment of organizations from medical research to patient support to caregiver resources through a comprehensive approach that focuses on:

- Research to treat, prevent, cure, and, ultimately, eradicate Alzheimer's disease.
- Education and awareness of the disease, its onset, and treatment.
- Support services to patients, their families, and caregivers.

The East Tennessee Foundation receives and manages contributions to the Pat Summitt Foundation and facilitates the awarding of grants in support of the mission.

To donate please visit: www.patsummitt.org