Feb. 13, 2008

By Cassie Rhodes

The theme for the Terriers this week is "Think Pink" as three teams from the Boston University Department of Athletics will combine forces to raise awareness about breast cancer. The men's and women's ice hockey teams and the women's basketball team are all holding events as part of a week-long event to increase community consciousness of this important issue.

"We believe it is important in the role that Athletics serves at this University and within the Boston community to support and promote worthwhile causes, and this certainly is a great one," Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics Mike Lynch said. "We hope all members of Terrier Nation will add Pink to their Scarlet and White this week to help raise awareness for breast cancer."

The women's basketball team will launch the program in conjunction with the Women's Basketball Coaches Association on Wednesday, Feb.13 in their game against Binghamton. Tip-off is 7 p.m. at the Roof in Case Gymnasium.

Fans are encouraged to wear pink, and the first 1,000 people to come to the game to show their support will be rewarded with a free official BU "Think Pink" T-shirt. For every fan that purchases a full-priced $7.00 ticket to the game, $3.00 will be donated to the Susan G. Koman for the Cure - Mass affiliate.

BU Athletics is one of many schools nationwide taking part in this event through the WBCA, whose "Think Pink" initiative is a unified effort on the court, across campuses, in communities and beyond to focus attention on the risks associated with breast cancer. The WBCA initiated "Think Pink" in 2007 as an idea to raise consciousness about the disease that affects women everywhere, including coaches and athletes.

Promoting such events within college athletics provides athletes the opportunity to support a worthy cause and join the fight against a disease that touches the lives of so many women of all ages. Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of death for women. It is imperative that women are informed and careful where this disease is concerned. For young athletes, the "Think Pink" campaign is one way to give back to the communities that have provided them with so much.

Later this week, the BU women's ice hockey team will collaborate with its fellow conference teams in the Women's Hockey East Association "Skating Strides" promotion against breast cancer. They will host their part of the event on Sunday, Feb. 17, in their game at 3 p.m. against University of Connecticut at Walter Brown Arena.

"This is obviously for a great cause, not only for breast cancer but to raise awareness about all forms of cancer," said Women's Hockey Head Coach Brian Durocher. "It was a great first year last year, and this year there has been a real league push. The support is incredible."

There will be a $10 t-shirt and ticket package sold at the door, as well as a ceremonial puck drop. A variety of merchandise will be sold at the games, including t-shirts, bracelets, Skating Strides label pins and helmet stickers, with all proceeds going to the assist in research for breast cancer. There will be a silent auction, including items such as autographed pink sticks and pink warm-up jerseys, as a display of support for this most worthy cause.

"This affects women, but it is great that the men's ice hockey team is also contributing to "Skating Strides" by donating the proceeds from the sale of their 50-50 raffle," said Durocher, referring to the men's team's planned contribution at their February 15th game against Maine.

The men's team is also donating their Chuck-a-Puck proceeds from the game on Feb. 16 against Maine. The $10 t-shirt and ticket deals for the women's Skating Strides event on Feb 17 will be sold at the men's hockey games at Agganis Arena on Feb. 15 and 16.

Terrier Athletes are supporting these efforts and more to tackle breast cancer. Even if one single life is saved because it prompts a woman in the crowd to undertake a life-saving test to detect the disease before it is too late, it would have made such a commendable effort even more worthwhile. Fundraising for research also carries with it hope for a cure, and the Terriers will be raising money -- and awareness -- all week long.