Proud to support the inspiration to me, paving the way for an athlete like myself to pursue a passion for writing and performing music.” TELLING OF OKLAHOMA’S STORY Tisdale and Governor Brad Henry attended OU at the same time, and in the midst of his music career Tisdale was appointed to the state’s Tourism Commission. through its people Governor Henry stated of Tisdale, “He was a hero both on and off the basketball court. Even in the most challenging of times, he had a smile for people, and he had the rare ability to make everyone around him smile. He was one of the most inspirational people I have ever known.” In 2007, Tisdale discovered he had bone cancer in his knee after severely breaking his leg. In May of that year, it was announced that he had a procedure to remove the cyst and expected to make a After his passing, Wayman Tisdale’s wife Regina and their children accepted the Oklahoma Hall full recovery, but the cancer later returned. of Fame Medallion at the 2009 Oklahoma Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Courtesy Oklahoma In June 2008, Tisdale told the Associated Hall of Fame Archives. Press, “Nothing can change me. You go caused more damage than anticipated. Wayman Tisdale passed away May 15, through things. You don’t change because He had just been selected for induction to 2009. His funeral was held on May 21 at things come in your life. You get better the Oklahoma Hall Fame as a member of the BOK Center in Tulsa with 4,000 fans, because things come in your life.” the Class of 2009, and that fall, following family members, and friends in attendance. After chemotherapy was unsuccessful, his passing, his widow Regina and their Tisdale’s band played as the pallbearers a portion of his right leg was amputated in children accepted the medallion on his carried the 925-pound solid bronze casket, August 2008 to prevent the cancer from behalf. The United States Basketball Writers led by a pallbearer holding high an NBA spreading. Fitted for a prosthetic leg after Association’s annual award for men’s basketball, and near the stage was his bass the operation, this experience led Tisdale outstanding freshman of the year was guitar. In the words of Wayman Tisdale, “If and his wife to establish the Wayman L. renamed in Tisdale’s honor. That same year you like me on the basketball court, wait till Tisdale Foundation. The foundation provides he was elected to the National Collegiate you hear me play jazz.” individuals with unmet prosthetic needs Basketball Hall of Fame. and pays for the best in prosthetic care. Wayman Tisdale recorded nine albums in the short span of his music career. Courtesy Oklahoma Today the foundation has expanded to Hall of Fame Archives. an initiative of resources to promote health and wellness, preventative health care, childhood health education, and nutrition awareness. Tisdale embraced the new challenge and the relief from chemo treatments inspired his eighth album Rebound. It featured a version of Barry White’s “Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up” with country music star and fellow Oklahoma Hall of Fame Member Toby Keith. Keith would later write the song “Cryin’ For Me (Wayman’s Song)” in memory of his friend. Just weeks before he passed away, Tisdale had told the Tulsa World that he had beat bone cancer. He was planning a national concert tour with his band and scheduled to record in Los Angeles, California, but the radiation treatments had 54