For over a decade, Find a Cure Night has been an annual tradition for Winters High School basketball. While this tradition was born of tragedy, it now a symbol of hope, resilience and the power of the human spirit.
In 2005, the WHS boys varsity basketball team won the Butte View League section championship with the help of twin-towers, Zach (6 feet, 9 inches) and Jared (6 feet, 7 inches) Davis. In 2006, the unthinkable happened when the world lost Jared to a rare disease. In the wake of this came the Jared Davis Scholarship which is awarded to students who embody his charisma, work ethic and magnanimous personality.
Find a Cure Night raises money for this scholarship and the tradition has grown to include a Hero. A Hero is someone who fought, or continues to fight through devastating health issues with a smile on their face. These Heroes are honored by the master of ceremonies and given a basketball signed by all the players. Saturday Jan. 4 this tradition continued, however, it would be the last as head coach for Jason Davis, and he recalled what this night has meant to him over the years.
“It’s been an honor to be part of Find a Cure Night over the years and to have the opportunity to speak about Jared Davis and the special impact he had on all of us who had the pleasure of spending that magical season with him and his team. I’ve had a lot of experiences in sports but 2005 was special. And to be able to share a little of that each year on this night has been a special gift from Jared,” said Jason.
Wendy Davis was honored as this year’s Hero for her fight against Lupus. Jason and his brother Jon Davis, who is also the junior varsity boys coach, were present to recognize her. Jason said in 1992 Wendy was diagnosed with Lupus and told to get her affairs in order. Since then she has kept her plate full running in multiple marathons, coaching the WHS Academic Decathlon program fro 10 years and helped start the Winters Healthcare Foundation.
“Saturday was my last as the coach, and it was extra special to honor my Mom as this year’s Hero,” said Jason. “She has been an inspiration to me and, always, my Hero. I was glad I got to share a little of her amazing story.”
Donations for the scholarship can be made payable to “Winters High School,” with “Jared Davis Memorial Scholarship” in the memo. They can be mailed to: Winters High School, 101 Grant Avenue, Winters, CA 95694.
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