Oct. 17, 2012
Hawkeyes support the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk
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Editor’s Note: The following first appeared in the University of Iowa’s Hawk Talk Daily, an e-newsletter that offers a daily look at the Iowa Hawkeyes, delivered free each morning to thousands of fans of the Hawkeyes worldwide.
IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa volleyball team’s match tonight against No. 4 Nebraska carries extra significance.
It is a big contest for the Hawkeyes against the fourth-ranked Huskers with a chance for a strong showing against one of the nation’s best teams.
More importantly, it is Iowa’s annual Breast Cancer Awareness Match — Attacking Breast Cancer Night and an opportunity to spread awareness.
“To have the opportunity to have a match with the focus on breast cancer awareness is very important,” said junior Rachael Bedell. “We are a women’s volleyball team. Is it a great way to raise awareness.”
The Hawkeyes (10-9, 2-4) and Huskers (15-2, 7-1) will meet at 7 p.m. tonight on Mediacom Court at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Admission is $5 for adults, and free for youth and UI students.
All fans are encouraged to wear pink. Free pink rally towels will be given to the first 250 fans and breast cancer survivors will be recognized during the match.
“Even simple things like wearing pink help raise awareness,” said Bedell. “We hope it lifts the spirits of those who have lost loves ones due to breast cancer or have ones who are struggling with it. The goal is to raise awareness for all ages. The earlier we raise awareness, the better the success rate.”
“University of Iowa volleyball is a big name itself and to use it to help raise awareness is important,” said senior Allison Straumann. “We want a great crowd to help raise awareness.”
The volleyball team participated in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk by the American Cancer Society on Sept. 30. It was important for the Hawkeyes to be involved with the event, and it is important for the Hawkeyes to raise awareness tonight.
“Our goal at the event was to get all involved smiling,” said Straumann. “It is a sensitive subject. We were there to show support and get people excited about the great cause the walk represents.”
“It was really important for us to be there and be involved,” said junior Bethany Yeager. “It was fun for us to be a part of it. We love interacting with all the different people and hearing stories of people that are fighting breast cancer. We really enjoyed it.” “We let all know at the walk that any survivors will be recognized at our match,” said Straumann. “We are hoping to have many of them come and to bring their families. We are hoping for a great turnout.”
The cause for all is raising awareness and ending breast cancer.
“Breast cancer is a big issue,” said Straumann, “and we want to continue to do our part in raising awareness.
“It is important to support the survivors, the loved ones of the survivors and the loved ones of the battles lost,” said UI head coach Sharon Dingman. “This is a life fight; we think our opponents present challenges for us, but the opponent we are fighting today presents bigger challenges than we will ever face on the volleyball court.”
“I feel like everyone knows someone who has been through it,” said junior Grace Burns. “It is really important we keep having events like this to raise awareness. Every single person can make a difference in this fight against breast cancer.”
Make a difference tonight and show your support at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.