By Alyssa Poteat
October is recognized globally as Breast Cancer Awareness month. October is also the peak of many fall athletic seasons. For the women’s volleyball team, they are dedicating one of their home games to show support for this important cause.
Senior libero, Vivian Camplin, is heading the charge, putting together the event logistics and partnering with an organization to sponsor the game.
“Many athletic teams all over the country host a game where they honor those affected by breast cancer,” said Camplin. “Many teams, including ours, pair with a foundation or nonprofit that helps to fund treatment for those affected or fund research into new kinds of treatments and preventions,”
The WPU volleyball team typically hosts a Dig Pink game during their Fall season. However, this year an organization sponsoring the game in late October. Camplin notes that the Dig Pink game is not just dedicated to the families of the WPU volleyball team who have had people they know affected by Breast Cancer, but also to fund a cure for all affected.
“WPU is hosting a Dig Pink game because this cause is near and dear to many of our players,” said Camplin.
“Many of us have family who have been affected by breast cancer, and it is a reality that some of us may have to face as women, we want to support those who are battling cancer, and fight for a cure,” said Camplin.
The volleyball team is dedicating their home game versus the Methodist Monarchs on October 23 at 7PM. The doors will open at 6PM, and Camplin encourages those in town to come support the cause.
“In volleyball, ‘side-out’ means regaining control of the ball. The Side-Out Foundation helps people with breast cancer regain control of their lives – and we started our fundraising efforts through the sport of volleyball,” said Camplin.
“This foundation raises money at volleyball matches across the country in order to fuel a groundbreaking research program focused on patients battling metastatic breast cancer – the most challenging form of the disease and, tragically, the area that receives the least research funding. We are proud to partner with them and help raise money for their cause,” said Camplin.
The volleyball team will be hosting a multitude of tablings and promotional events across campus leading up to the game. There will be tablings on October 18th and October 22nd in Belk Courtyard.
“On October 18th, the volleyball team will be having a tabling Belk Courtyard! Donations will be accepted and there will be an option to dedicate a poster to a loved one affected by breast cancer,” said Camplin.
“Coming soon, there will be Pacer Dig Pink shirts for sale. All proceeds go directly to the Side-Out Foundation, and we encourage all who purchase these shirts to wear them to the Dig Pink Game, there will be shirts for sale in person on Oct. 22nd and at the game,” said Camplin.
For those wanting to support the cause, Camplin shares various ways one can help.
“You can support this cause by donating to the Side-Out Foundation!” said Camplin.
“Starting on October 1st, our website is up and running! Anyone can help by scanning the QR Code and donating directly to the foundation; please share this website with friends, family, and anyone who feels moved to help the cause,”
To help support the volleyball team and the Side Out Foundation, you can utilize this link to donate.
https://giving.side-out.org/campaigns/20993
Photo Courtesy of Isaiah Grady