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Fight against cancer extends beyond court |
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Tuesday, 12 February 2008 |
 Yosef dons a white shirt and a pink ribbon on his sleeve Saturday in honor of “Think Pink” day, an event to dedicated cancer awareness. Photo by Holt Menzies
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by McLEAN DOBBINS
Intern News Reporter
The battle on the court wasn’t the only fight going on at the Holmes Convocation Center Saturday.
Fans, players and officials alike showed their support for the fight against cancer as part of the first annual “Think Pink” day, hosted by the Appalachian State University Department of Athletics and the American Cancer Society.
Appalachian supporters traded their black and gold for pink to cheer on the men’s and women’s basketball teams in a Southern Conference double-header. During the game, cancer survivors were recognized.
Local volunteers from the American Cancer Society were on hand to share information and to take donations.
Donors were entered into a raffle for signed memorabilia from the Appalachian basketball and football teams.
Jeana L. Sigmon, a junior English and secondary education major and
president of the Appalachian Colleges Against Cancer club, hopes to
make “Think Pink” an annual event.
“I want to make it about service,” Sigmon said. “We’re going to be a
lot more involved with the school and the community than we have been
in the past.”
Sigmon said Saturday’s “Think Pink” event raised over $2,300 for the American Cancer Society.
 A fan wears pink shoes during Saturday's basketball game during "Think Pink Day," an event to dedicated cancer awareness. Photo by Holt Menzies.
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Watauga County has a proud record of service with the organization.
Since 2000, Watauga County has been ranked either first or second in
the entire nation in its population group for money raised in the fight
against cancer.
In 2007, Watauga County Relay for Life raised $292,616, according to Watauga County Relay For Life.
“People really get involved around here,” said Sharon B. Trivette,
co-chair of the Watauga County Relay For Life and a Watauga County
native.
Trivette applauded the efforts of Appalachian and other SoCon schools in promoting “Think Pink” day.
“You’ve got a lot more momentum if everybody’s doing it at the same time,” Trivette said.
Recently, Watauga Medical Center received two grants from the American Cancer Society for its efforts.
An $8,000 grant will help to establish a Cancer Resource Center, and a
$5,000 grant will to help establish a Cancer Exercise Program through
the Wellness Center for cancer patients, according to the American
Cancer Society.
There are currently 10 students at Appalachian receiving American Cancer Society college scholarships.
Bryan C. Brothers, senior finance and banking major, was diagnosed with retinoblastoma at the age of 2.
Retinoblastoma is a rare eye disease in which a tumor grows inside the eye.
After having surgery on his eye, Brothers has been cancer-free ever since.
“Over the last four years, I noticed that a lot of students don’t know
cancer affects all ages,” Brothers said. “It’s a disease that knows no
boundaries.”
Brothers said Appalachian Athletics provided a great opportunity to promote cancer awareness.
Appalachian Colleges Against Cancer will hold an informational session
for Relay For Life tonight from 7:30-8:30 p.m. in room 421 of Belk
Library & Information Commons.
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