Nov. 30, 2012
Hawkeyes support the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk
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IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa volleyball team has concluded its 2012 season. The Hawkeyes are done battling Big Ten opponents on the court for the time being, but their fight against breast cancer never stops.
Earlier this year, the UI 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 continue to raise awareness and fight against breast cancer.
“It is important to support the survivors, the loved ones of the survivors and the loved ones of the battles lost,” said 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.”
Monday an email was sent out by the American Cancer Society with a goal to raise one million dollars in 24 hours. Coach Dingman did her part, raising hundreds of dollars during the day-long push. She also got a new haircut () to show her continued support.
“I thought, I can help, I want to see what I can do here,” said Dingman. “I asked people for five dollars; many gave more. Within the first couple hours I had already reached 500 dollars.
“Watching someone close to our program go through chemotherapy is not fun at all. It can open your eyes. One in eight women are going to hear those horrible words: `you have breast cancer.’ It is a horrible disease.”
The money was donated to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Eastern Iowa.
“People understand and want to make a difference,” said Dingman. “This happened on a Monday afternoon with a simple email.
“It is all about raising money and awareness for this cause. I am really passionate about doing whatever one human being can do to help the cause.”