CHAPEL HILL— Long time UNC Tar Heel announcer Woody Durham announced that he has a condition that means he can longer do speaking events.

For 40 years Woody Durham painted the pictures of Carolina Basketball and Football like no other as the Voice of the Tar Heels. One of the most beloved announcers in sports, Woody retired in 2011. The 1963 UNC graduate called more than 1,800 broadcasts on the Tar Heel Sports Network, winning the North Carolina Sportscaster of the Year award 13 times. The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame honored Woody in 2015 with the Curt Gowdy Award for electronic media.

Woody and his wife, Jean, are releasing a letter to the community detailing a neurocognitive condition that Woody is facing. In his words, here’s Woody:

LETTER FROM WOODY DURHAM:

“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.”