While it was great for Cougar women’s basketball fans to see a win against UT Martin at the second annual Pink Zone game Saturday, Feb. 8th, the real excitement was that $7,518 was raised for the St. Louis affiliate of Susan G. Komen.
“SIUE’s Pink Zone initiative is a wonderful way to support the fight against breast cancer,” said Helen Chesnut, Susan G. Komen St. Louis executive director and breast cancer survivor. “The awareness generated and the dollars raised through the Pink Zone activities will make a real difference in our community. The funds will help provide breast health and breast cancer services for those who are most in need. Komen St. Louis truly appreciates all who helped make Pink Zone such a success.”
SIUE kicked off the breast cancer awareness week with a Feb. 5 reception held at the Doubletree by Hilton in Collinsville where more than 60 guests heard SIUE Head Coach Paula Buscher speak about the importance of finding a cure.
“We work with young female student-athletes day-in and day-out, so it is a natural cause to embrace,” said Buscher. “Our goal is that someday we will find a cure so the student-athletes, who I am blessed to work with, will never have to fight the same battles.”
On the Pink Zone game day, Buscher challenged fans to donate $25 for each three-pointer made by the Cougars. With 21 fans matching her pledge, SIUE totaled $1,575 for the challenge.
Sixteen breast cancer survivors were honored with a standing ovation at halftime.
Ten runners took their place on a courtside treadmill to help raise funds and awareness. Special thanks go to SIUE Chancellor Julie Furst-Bowe, Director of Athletics Dr. Brad Hewitt, Assistant Vice Chancellor Office of Institutional Compliance Paul Pitts, Department of Kinesiology and Heath Education Chair Curt Lox, Academic Advisor Kelly Traynor, Director of Admissions Todd Burrell, Research Assistant Courtney Kenner, Wendy Hedberg, Angela Tomic and Darlene Harmon for running during the game.
Photo: SIUE Chancellor Julie Furst-Bowe (2nd from right) with breast cancer survivors at halftime of second annual Pink Zone game.