'Experiencing Earthquake envy...'

is what a friend of mine in Knoxville posted on facebook today. I felt the earthquake, so I have no envy and I hope to never feel another one again. My work building is earthquake 'proof,' so they think that it over compensated and the top floors swayed. I was at my desk with my headphones on working a spreadsheet when I thought my inner ear issue was coming back...I immediately got so upset. Then, the guy that sits next to me said he thought he needed to go check his blood pressure because everything was swaying; someone said that their chair was falling, another got sick to his stomach...we thought there must have been an earthquake. We were shocked when we heard that the so earthquake was in VA. Seriously can't imagine what it would feel like if it was on the New Madrid fault.

Also, I was so sad to receive this letter today. Pat seems so young, healthy and unstoppable...you know when I was in college you could walk into a guys game, but you had to wait in line and hope you got a ticket for the women games. Pat is such an inspiration around the campus. Do you think the team will bring home her final championship? I sure hope so...

Dear All–

Throughout my career, I have always made it a point that my life and my basketball program were an open book.

With that in mind, I have something I’d like to share with my Tennessee families—the university, boosters and fans of Lady Vol basketball.

Once last season concluded, I addressed some ongoing concerns regarding my health. After consulting with my local physicians, I decided to visit the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

Earlier this summer, the doctors at the Mayo Clinic diagnosed me with early onset dementia ("Alzheimer's Type") at the age of 59.

I plan to continue to be your coach. Obviously, I realize I may have some limitations with this condition since there will be some good days and some bad days.

For that reason I will be relying on my outstanding coaching staff like never before. We have always collaborated on every facet of Lady Vol Basketball; and now you will see Holly Warlick, Dean Lockwood and Mickie DeMoss taking on more responsibility as their duties will change significantly.

I love being your coach, and the privilege to go to work every day with our outstanding Lady Vol basketball student-athletes. I appreciate the complete support of UT Chancellor Dr. Jimmy Cheek and UT Athletics Director Joan Cronan to continue coaching at the University of Tennessee as long as the good Lord is willing.

I've been honest and shared my health concerns with you and now we’ll move forward to the business at hand…coaching a great group of Lady Vols. For the time being, I hope you will respect my privacy regarding this matter.

Thank you.

Go Lady Vols!

Pat Summitt