Statement from associate head coach Tasha Butts:
“In November, I was diagnosed with an advanced stage of breast cancer. While I am still processing this life-changing diagnosis and learning how to deal with it day-to-day, I have full confidence in my team of doctors with the treatment plan they have put forth and that I have already begun. The tremendous amount of support I have received from my family, close friends, and Georgia Tech family has made these past few weeks a little more bearable and easier.
“This has not been an easy discovery. At age 39, I never thought I’d be sitting here dealing with this disease. But I have full confidence in my doctors, my faith, who I am and who I was taught to be, which is a fighter. I want to, and hope to be, an example and an inspiration for others who may be experiencing the same thing.
“Through my process, I have learned that early detection is the best possible approach. I strongly encourage everyone to be fully aware of any symptoms or red flags they may experience, and go see a doctor. Early detection can offer someone a piece of mind in such a life-changing event.
“This is a life-changing experience for me and the No. 1 priority for me right now is to take care of myself through treatment and surround myself with people that will take care of me to the same degree. I have an incredible support system at Georgia Tech that I am grateful for. While undergoing treatment, I will still be here at Georgia Tech and in full support of our program as I can be. I am blessed to be surrounded by a Georgia Tech community that fully supports me and I am grateful to have them on this journey.”
Statement from head coach Nell Fortner:
“We were all shocked with Tasha’s diagnosis, but the positive is she is in a fantastic city with doctors extremely qualified to treat her. Tasha has been instrumental in our success over these past two and a half seasons. She is surrounded by a Georgia Tech community that will support her and a team that will love her through this. Tasha is a strong woman who has every intention of beating this diagnosis, and we will be with her every step of the way.”
Statement from Georgia Tech athletics:
“Tasha has the full support of the Georgia Tech athletics family. She’s an inspiration to our student-athletes, coaches and staff, and we are 100% behind her in this fight. She will remain in her position as Georgia Tech women’s basketball associate head coach while undergoing treatment. In the intermittent times during the treatment process that she is unable to be with the team, women’s basketball chief of staff Mickie DeMoss will assume duties as an assistant coach.”
