For 40 years Woody Durham was the voice of Carolina basketball and football for UNC. The sportscaster left an impressive legacy when he retired back in 2011, having called more than 1,800 games for the Tar Heels since he graduated from the school in 1963. Durham won the North Carolina Sportscaster of the Year 13 times and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame honored him in 2015 with the Curt Gowdy Award for electronic media. Today, Durham and his wife released an open letter concerning his health, which has begun to take a turn.
Last winter, Durham was diagnosed with a neurocognitive disorder, primary progressive aphasia, that affects his language expression. Because of this diagnosis, Durham stated that he will not be doing anymore public speaking. However, he did mention that he still enjoys the company of friends and continues to travel along with his wife, Jean. “Our entire family is grateful for the incredible care we have received from a group of very talented medical professionals,” Durham stated, “They have helped me adapt to this diagnosis and set up a treatment plan that will help me manage my day-to-day activities as I continue to enjoy retirement”.
The former sportscaster admitted that he will continue to attend UNC functions as well as be a part of civic and charitable endeavors throughout the state. He stated that he wants to make people more aware of primary progressive aphasia and the impact it has on those inflicted and their friends and family. Durham hopes that the events will encourage financial support toward research toward a treatment. Durham concluded the letter by saying “I also hope to meet many more of the people that enjoyed our radio broadcasts in the 40 years I was privileged to be the “Voice of the Tar Heels.” Those greetings and kind words have meant so much to me in the last five years, and hold a very special place in my heart.”
