Iowa preparing to honor Kenny Arnold with White Out game
By Pat Harty
IOWA CITY, Iowa – The effort to make life more convenient and less painful for former Iowa guard Kenny Arnold continues to gain momentum and supporters.
The latest attempt to help Arnold will occur on Feb. 18 when the Iowa men's basketball team faces Illinois at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The game is being promoted as a White Out game in which fans are being encouraged to purchase and wear Kenny Arnold shirts as a way to support the former Hawkeye star, who still struggles with the effects from having a brain tumor removed more than 30 years ago.
Arnold currently resides in a nursing home in his hometown of Chicago.
His former Iowa teammates have rallied to his support for three decades, led by Arnold's close friend, Mike Henry, who lives near Chicago.
Former Iowa All-America point guard Ronnie Lester also has stuck by Arnold's side, doing whatever he can to help his former backcourt partner and fellow Chicago native live a little easier.
Arnold's story is sad and heart-warming at the same time. He deserves so much more from life, but he also has the satisfaction of knowing that he is loved by so many people.
Henry has dedicated much of his adult life to helping his friend, but he wouldn't have it any other way. It's a labor of love.
"Kenny inspires me more than I inspire him," Henry said.
The love for Arnold will be on full display during the Illinois game. To see the arena filled with Hawkeye fans wearing the Kenny Arnold No. 30 t-shirt will be a powerful moment.
It also will send a powerful message to Arnold, who cherishes his connection to the University of Iowa.
Arnold looks forward every day to conversing with Iowa fans on social media. He has a new device that helps him communicate that was donated by Marty Gallagher and the kind folks at Talk To Me Technologies.
The Kenny Arnold shirt can be purchsed for a cost of $30 with all the money going to help pay for Arnold's medical expenses and daily needs. The shirts are available online or at several locations in Iowa City and Davenport.
The shirts also will be sold at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on the day of the game.
Locations to purchase a Kenny Arnold shirt:
http://pogo.undergroundshirts.com/collections/kenny-arnold-fundraiser-1
Hawkeye Fan Shop at 1525 on 2nd Ave. in Coralville
Hawkeye Fan Shop at 201 S. Clinton St. in Iowa City
Black and Gold and 1000 25 St. in Coralville
Black and Gold at 102 E. Kimberly Rd. in Davenport
Three locations on main concourse of Carver-Hawkeye Arena