For Immediate Release: September 26, 2008
Contact: John Hartrick (jhartri@binghamton.edu)
Phone: 607-777-6800

Binghamton women's athletics programs to take part in "Pink Campaign"

VESTAL, N.Y.--The Binghamton University volleyball, swimming & diving, tennis, lacrosse, softball, track and cross country, soccer and basketball teams not only have their sights set on an upcoming winning season, but a win in the fight against cancer, too.

The BU Women's Athletics program announced plans for a "Pink Campaign" to promote breast cancer awareness and to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.

Each team will promote breast cancer awareness by wearing various pink articles of clothing during a designated game. Some teams will wear pink warm-up suits, tee shirts, swim caps, hair ribbons, and other items. In addition the BU College Against Cancer Student Chapter will be at each game to paint pink fingernails and also spread the message of cancer awareness to the college students and fans.

"We are excited to support such a terrific cause," head volleyball coach Glenn Kiriyama said. "I know that our team is looking forward to doing their part to raise awareness of breast cancer and funds to help the American Cancer Society locally."

The following game dates have been secured for the Pink Campaign and others will be announced as they become finalized:

Friday, October 3, 2008, 7:00 p.m. - BU women's volleyball vs. Stony Brook
Saturday, October 4, 2008, 11:00 a.m. - BU women's swimming - Green/White
Thursday, October 9, 2008, 8:00 p.m. - BU women's soccer vs. Boston University

"Our nationally televised (Fox Sports Soccer Channel) women's soccer game at the Bearcats Sports Complex will provide a great venue to promote breast cancer awareness to our fans and a national audience," head women's soccer coach Sarah McClellan said. "We are honored that our athletic department has developed such a strong partnership with the American Cancer Society."

"Cancer has touched all of our lives," head swimming & diving coach Sean Clark said. "We are pleased to be able to support this cause as our sixty athletes are really looking forward to putting a lot of energy into making a difference."

The BU Pink Campaign will raise awareness and funds for the American Cancer Society's breast cancer research programs, as well as local patient and family service programs. These programs include:

Reach to Recovery links newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with survivors who offer information, answer questions and provide support while serving as living examples that breast cancer can be beat.

Look Good...Feel Better is best described as a physical and mental makeover. It's a one-time educational session run by professional cosmetologists where women facing cancer are taught how to manage the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment. They leave the session looking good and feeling better.

Road to Recovery - Transportation to lifesaving medical appointments can be a challenge for a woman with breast cancer. An American Cancer Society volunteer will drive her to and from treatment.

Hope Lodges are free, temporary residential centers for cancer patients and their caregivers near state-of-the-art treatment facilities. Today at 20 Hope Lodges nationwide, teams of cancer patients families, staff and volunteers form powerful support networks focused on a single goal - recovery.

"The Pink Campaign is a wonderful opportunity for the American Cancer Society to bring cancer awareness to a large, captive audience and we are grateful to for BU's support in our efforts," said Gina Chapman, Director of Special Events for the Southern Region of the American Cancer Society.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. The American Cancer Society Eastern Division has 46 community-based offices, involving thousands of volunteers throughout NY and NJ. For 24-hour cancer information, the public can call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org/nynj

For additional information about breast cancer, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.