Tom Leach, the play-by-play voice of the University of Kentucky, is asking for some help for his longtime partner Mike Pratt. The color commentator on Wildcats basketball games is fighting cancer and needs some help paying for his treatments.
On Twitter, Leach linked to a fundraising page and explained that the money will be used for travel and other expenses not covered by insurance.
Mike Pratt has been dealing with cancer for “a few years” according to the Lexington Herald-Leader. It has spread from his colon to his liver. He plans to seek treatment in California in mid-June.
Leach told the paper that rounds of chemotherapy have been hard on Pratt, leaving him with a painful nerve condition called neuropathy.
The fundraiser is being hosted by the site GiveSendGo.com.
Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari is chipping in. He tweeted that he and his wife will match the first $50,000 donated to help Pratt.
“If you know Mike Pratt, you know what a special man he is. He’s a dear friend to many and a gentleman to all. And Mike needs our help,” the coach said.
Mike Pratt has been part of Kentucky’s radio broadcast since the 2001-2002 season. He turns 74 later this summer.
