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MARYVILLE

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May 15, 2020MARYVILLE, Mo.

Biggest victory for Bearcat senior's family comes two months after season ends


Shelley and Kendey Eaton (Photo submitted by Kendey Eaton)

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In two seasons at Northwest Missouri State University, Kendey Eaton helped Bearcat women's basketball begin its rise back up the MIAA ranks.

The program made a big jump in wins, returned to the conference tournament, and even grabbed a victory in the postseason for the first time in 9 years. But the biggest obstacle for Eaton and her family came away from the court.

And just like Bearcat women's basketball, the Eaton's rallied together for a victory unlike any other.

Her mother, Shelley, was hit by a virus nearly two years ago, and it eventually led to heart failure.

Shelley went through three surgeries, receiving an LVAD with the last one, and eas placed on a waiting list for a heart transplant.

Basketball may have been an escape for Kendey, but her mom was always on her mind.

"Just how well she took everything, and well she went through everything, and definitely compare that to situations that that I go through," Kendey said. "She inspires me."

Kendey led Northwest back to the postseason and put the program on the right path for the future, but the Eaton's biggest win came nearly two months after basketball ended.

Shelley received a heart transplant just three weeks ago, and was welcomed home by friends and family lining the street with signs and words of encouragement.

"Just getting home and being able to see my kids face to face, be in the same room with them and hug them was just amazing," Shelley said.

For information on becoming an organ donor, visit organdonor.gov.

Full audio from the story is available above.