Pat Summitt enters hospice care

[Kevin Hamilton]

www.complex.com/sports/2016/06/pat-summitt-family-preparing-worst-condition-worsens

Legendary Tennessee Women's Basketball coach Pat Summitt is reportedly "struggling," with her family "preparing for the worst" as she is moved into hospice care as a result of "serious health concerns" in her battle against Alzheimer's, the Tennessean reports. A source close to the situation told the Knoxville News Sentinel, "I don't think anybody knows whether she will last a day, a month, or a year."

Her family released a statement Sunday morning, saying,

"On behalf of Pat Summitt’s family, we acknowledge the past few days have been difficult for Pat as her early onset dementia, ‘Alzheimer’s Type,’ progresses. She is surrounded by those who mean the most to her and during this time, we ask for prayers for Pat and her family and friends, as well as your utmost respect and privacy. Thank you."

The 64-year-old Summitt was diagnosed in 2011 with early onset dementia, which forced her into a reduced role as she coached that season, followed by her eventual 2012 resignation.

As news of her condition has spread, a number of her former colleagues, players, and team competitors, have taken to Twitter to show their support

That stinks, Pat has always seemed like a classy lady.

[Cyno]

Alzheimer's is a terrible, terrible disease. Hope Pat doesn't suffer too much. She deserves better than to go out this way.

I have a friend that wrote for the U of Tennesseee newspaper and he remarked on how friendly and accessible Pat Summit to the student body. I'm not sure if that's a rarity or not for big name college coaches, but it speaks a lot to her character.

[angryfan]

I'm a Gator through and through, but Pat Summitt has ALWAYS been class. Terrible disease, that with any luck we will cure one day. May you be in less pain, Coach Summitt, you've earned that and so much more.

[Deleted]

Nobody should have to suffer.

The sad part about hospice care is that most people that go to it won't live much longer.

[Confused Mark Wahlberg]

ESPN says she has died at 64.

RIP

[Clover Star]

Also reported by Washington Post.

RIP.

[Duke Cameron]

One of the greatest coaches in sports history and I'm sure just as great a person. R.I.P. Pat

[Seth Drakin of Monster Crap]

Considering the circumstances, this one I am not surprised by. But it still absolutely sucks.

RIP to one of the greatest coaches of all time.

[angryfan]

RIP Pat, may coaches on all levels see both the passion you coached with but also the grace with which you approached your profession and emulate it.

[Mochi Lone Wolf]

Pat Summitt was a fantastic coach and an all-around great woman. All you have to do is look at how much her players adored her as proof. She was just as great of a mentor as she was a coach. The only comforts in all of this is that she went peacefully with her loved ones around her and, she's no longer suffering. R.I.P.

I hope in my lifetime we can at least come close to a cure to this awful disease that has destroyed so many lives.