By Joey Peterson —
Everybody seems to have a family member or knows of someone with breast cancer. In fact, 25 percent of all cancers are breast cancer, according to ww5.komen.org. Research is being done to find a cure and athletes everywhere have had a part in bringing awareness to the issue. From high school athletics and local events to professional leagues such as the NFL, athletes are helping to bring awareness and raise money for breast cancer.
- Susan G. Komen 3-Day
A 60-mile walk over a three-day period to honor those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and to remember and pay tribute. Each person who finishes raises $2,300 for breast cancer and many team up with friends and family. All of the proceeds go to the Susan G. Komen organization. Informed by ww5.komen.org.
- Komen Race for the Cure
Widely known for being the most successful event for raising awareness and fundraising for breast cancer. The series of races started in 1983 with one race in Dallas, Texas and has now grown to include over one million participants in over 150 races, some of which are international.
- UW-Stout Athletics
It was breast cancer awareness night on Friday, Oct. 9 when the University of Wisconsin–Stout women’s volleyball team hosted University of Wisconsin–Whitewater in a volleyball match. Many other things have been done on the UW–Stout campus with different athletics to bring support and awareness to breast cancer.
- NFL in October-Green Bay Packers
All NFL games in October are considered NFL Breast Cancer Awareness games. The Packers sold pink rally towels at a local high school football game and over 25,000 pink ribbons were passed out during the Packers’ Oct. 11 game. Also, the Bellin Health Gate at Lambeau Field was lit pink. Informed by NFL.com
- NFL in October-Minnesota Vikings
A breast cancer survivor was recognized and her story was shared during a break in one of the Vikings’ games during the month of October. The Vikings also hosted a luncheon for caregivers and survivors with current players, former players, cheerleaders and the mascot.
- MLB-Honorary Bat Girl Contest
A contest where fans can share their stories called “Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer” with a chance of getting recognized on the field. Each team will choose one person to be honored during Mother’s Day to help bring awareness and raise funds for breast cancer. Informed by ww5.komen.org
- Louisville Slugger and Pink Bats
Every year Louisville Slugger donates pink bats for MLB players to use on Mother’s Day. The bats and other merchandise can be purchased online and MLB will donate $5 per pink bat and 50 cents per Phiten Necklace or baseball to the Susan G. Komen fund.
- Cleveland Cavaliers team up with Susan G. Komen
On Oct. 19, the Cleveland Cavaliers worked with the Susan G. Komen Fund and the Cleveland Clinic to host “Breast Cancer Awareness Night.” The arena was full of pink from fans and workers. Breast cancer awareness T-shirts were available for purchase, with proceeds going towards the Cleveland Clinic and Susan G. Komen Fund. Informed by NBA.com
- MLS-Soccer Kicks Cancer
During October there will be pink nets on goals, pink corner flags and pink sideline towels to bring awareness to breast cancer. All of the soccer balls will have a “Soccer Kicks Cancer” sticker on them. Additionally, home goalkeepers will wear all pink uniforms during October. Informed by mlscoccer.com
- Play 4Kay
Coach Kay Yow was the North Carolina State University women’s basketball coach and died of breast cancer in 2009. Before her death she formed the Kay Yow Cancer Fund with the Women’s College Basketball Association and the V foundation to raise money for breast cancer. In February the annual college basketball event will be held. Informed by kayyow.com