Countdown begins for 2009 WBCA Pink Zone game on Feb. 18
Jan. 22, 2009 Pink makes a statement, especially on a campus that bleeds burnt orange. But if anyone has ever been a part of UT Athletics Horns for Hope events, then it becomes clear that the Longhorn Community supports more than just their athletic teams -- they also support the cause of increasing breast cancer awareness. The Horns for Hope campaign will continue on Wednesday, Feb. 18 when Texas Women's Basketball hosts the Oklahoma State Cowgirls as part of the 2009 WBCA Pink ZoneTM, formerly known as Think Pink, at the Frank Erwin Center. Pink Zone is coming off the success of last year's WBCA Think Pink-designated matchup against Baylor when more than 6,500 fans turned out to support the cause and watch the Horns defeat the then-No. 8 Lady Bears, 61-51. The Pink ZoneTM initiative is the WBCA's unified effort for coaches to assist in raising breast cancer awareness on the court, across campuses, in communities and beyond. "We've all been touched by breast cancer in our lives. Either by a relative or a friend or a teammate, we each have a personal story about how breast cancer has affected someone close to us," Texas junior guard Brittainey Raven said. "(Pink Zone) is something we hold special to our hearts, because these nights are not only about winning. They're also about coming together and making a stand against breast cancer, and our stand will help make a difference in the fight against breast cancer." The rise in breast cancer is no secret -- one out of eight women has been or will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. However, as a sign of united hope to eradicate the disease, over 900 women's basketball teams across all divisions -- plus many other collegiate men's and women's teams from other sports -- have joined in this initiative. Collegiate women's basketball is no stranger to the disease. Legendary North Carolina State head coach Kay Yow fought breast cancer for 22 years before passing away at the age of 66 recently. Yow's courageous fight undoubtedly continues to inspire players, cancer patients everywhere, and anyone who has been touched by her story.
UT's own Edna Campbell, former Longhorns standout guard, was diagnosed with breast cancer while playing in the WNBA. She successfully fought the disease and was able to return, triumphantly, to the court. The 5-8 guard was a star player for the Sacramento Monarchs, and the breast cancer survivor became the WNBA's national spokesperson for its anti-cancer efforts with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. During the 2006 WNBA season, which honored 10 years of league existence, Campbell's successful return from breast cancer was nominated by fans as "Most Inspirational Moment" and was one of the top four WNBA Anniversary decade moments. In 2000, Harvard head coach Kathy Delaney-Smith was diagnosed with breast cancer. More recently, in July 2007 Robin Roberts, co-anchor of ABC's Good Morning America and former standout basketball player at Southeastern Louisiana State, was diagnosed with breast cancer. There are countless other stories like these, and Texas athletics takes pride in bringing together its fans to support the common and unified goal of fighting breast cancer. "Breast cancer can happen to anyone at any time, and it's important that we unite to help increase breast cancer awareness. The college women's basketball community has definitely been impacted by the disease, and although we are fighting for wins on the court, it's a great statement to see how unified we become when it comes to fighting breast cancer," Texas head coach Gail Goestenkors said. "I encourage all of our fans to support (Pink Zone) and to join us on our very special evening to increase breast cancer awareness. Together we can make a difference." This year, Texas fans are asked to wear pink when the Longhorns play host to Big 12-foe Oklahoma State on Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 7 p.m., as part of the WBCA Pink Zone initiative to raise breast cancer awareness. In an effort to educate the largest crowds possible about breast cancer awareness and breast health initiatives, discounted tickets are available for the WBCA Pink Zone event by calling the UT Athletics Events, Sales and Services office at 512-232-3865. Fans may purchase discounted tickets by mentioning the phrase "Pink Zone" to receive $5 tickets to the Feb. 18 women's basketball game vs. Oklahoma State. (Tickets must be purchased in advance. These offers are not available at the UT Athletics Ticket Office, Frank Erwin Center box office, or TexasBoxOffice.com.) |
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