AWARENESS Lady Bisons support breast cancer research through 'Think Pink' While most Harding students associated Valentine's Day with hearts, roses, candies and spending time with that special someone, the Lady Bisons saw it as a chance to raise awareness for breast cancer research. Harding was one ofmorc than 1,000 universities and high schools across the country to participate in the second annual "111ink Pink:'week, which was held Feb. 8-17.The women charged onto the court for their match against Delta State decked in pink, to promote and raise money for breast cancer research. Assistant to the Director ofSpart I nformation Terri Lee, who helped organize the event at Harding, said it was relevent because almost everyone knew someone affected by this illness. "This was a great opportunity for Harding to be involved in something that was nationwide," Lee said. "We have at least two players between the men's and women's teams that have been personally affected by breast cancer.I think it is so important to see others supporting something that hits close to home. " 1he Lady Bisons traded in their traditional black and gold for pink warm-ups and shoelaces, and many fans showed their support by wearing pink to the game.The first 1,000 fans received pink ribbons and individuals were given the opportunity to honor loved ones affected by the disease by placing their name on a banner and donating $1 to help find a cure. The concession stand sold pink concessions - popcorn, sugar cookies and cotton candy - in honor of "Think Pink:' efforts and 10 percent of all proceeds from concession sales were donated to the Susan G. Kamen Foundation for breast cancer research. Senior guard Kinsey T licker, who lost her mother to breast cancer, said everyone who had been affected by breast cancer had an important role in the match against Delta State and hoped those suffering from this disease found strength from the game. According to women's head coach Tim Kirby, the Lady Bisons and the Harding community positively received "Think Pink," and crowd turnout was good despite the game's falling on VaJentine's Day. "Harding always responds totally positive to things like 'Think P ink,' and everybody fully supports events like this," Kirby said. "The awareness that we can give to all cancer, not just breast cancer, is important. Cancer can affect anybody, and hopefully research can find a cure," Tucker said she and her teammates were excited to have the opportunity to participate in an event that had the chance to help save lives. Tucker said she played this game and every game for her mother. "We were all excited to do it and glad to be a small part of the overall picture," Tucker said. "It hits home with some of us, and we are proud that our abilities can help contribute to those who battle with this disease. It was important for HU women to participate in this event because we can try to use a sporting event for a higher cause than sports. The money and awareness that was raised may be able to save one life - and one life is a victory." [)-'eo,"", Browrrgl 284 [athleticsJ Senior forward Krisfen Donnell goes up for a basket during the Lady Bisons' game against Christian Brothers on Feb. 3. Donnell scored 18 points during the game, helping the Lady Bisons to a 65-45 victory. IGoig Ro>OOtl
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