Disease silencing ‘Voice of the Tar Heels’ Woody Durham

CHAPEL HILL, NC (WWAY) — Generations of UNC Tar Heels fans had Woody Durham as the soundtrack to so many great memories. Those memories may be all fans have of Durham’s legendary voice moving forward.

Durham, who served for 40 years as “The Voice of the Tar Heels” announced today he is suffering from a neurocognitive condition that limits his ability to communicate and will keep him from public speaking. Here’s the open letter Durham released today:

“Last winter, I was diagnosed with a neurocognitive disorder, primary progressive aphasia, that affects my language expression.  I want to tell you this because I will no longer be doing any public speaking. I can still enjoy the company of friends and traveling with my wife, Jean, but I am not able to address groups as I did in the past.  While learning of this diagnosis was a bit of a shock for Jean and me, and yes, quite an ironic one at that, it also brought a sense of relief to us in terms of understanding what was happening to me and how best to deal with it.

“Our entire family is grateful for the incredible care we have received from a group of very talented medical professionals, led by Dr. James Kurz and Dr. Daniel Kaufer, of UNC Health Care. 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.

“As in the past, I will continue to attend Carolina functions and sporting events as my schedule permits; and be part of civic and other charitable endeavors throughout the state.  As part of these events, we want to make people more aware of primary progressive aphasia, and the impact that these neurocognitive disorders can have on individuals, families and friends.  Along with raising awareness, we hope to encourage financial support for continued research and treatment in our state, as well as nationally.

“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.”

Durham, a 1963 UNC graduate, retired in 2011 after more than 1,800 broadcasts on the Tar Heel Sports Network.