Aug. 25, 2009

Panthers Think Pink Sign-Up Page

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Department of Athletics will be pitching in to the fight against breast cancer again this fall.

Panther coaches, athletes and staff will join Tunisia Koonce at the 11th-annual Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Run/Walk Sept. 27. And, UWM's volleyball and women's soccer teams will again play host to a Pink Out weekend in mid-October.

Tunisia Koonce, who was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in May of 2006, is leading the charge for the Panthers' participation in the Komen event. The event takes place at the Summerfest grounds starting at 8:30 a.m. on the 27th. In all, the event hopes to raise over $1 million for the fight against breast cancer.

"I will be fighting this battle for the rest of my life, unless we find a cure," Tunisia, the wife of UWM athletic director George Koonce, said. "I will be running for my life and I am asking everyone to join me in this effort."

Those interested in assisting the cause can sign up to be a part of the "Panthers Think Pink" team by visiting the link above. The deadline for signing up for the team is Sept. 5.

People can also make a tax-deductible donation to the team by visiting the same website.

Meanwhile, the Pink Out includes the volleyball match with Loyola Oct. 17 at 4 p.m. and the women's soccer match against Wright State Oct. 18 at noon. Both events will include pregame clinics open to both adults and children.

The Pink Out is a joint venture between the UWM community and the athletics department to promote breast cancer awareness, celebrate the survivors and support progress toward a cure. Money raised through the Pink Out goes to UWM's Norris Health Center, which will dedicate the funds to women's health issues. In particular, Norris hopes to help uninsured or underinsured students cover the costs of laboratory, radiology and immunization services needed for cancer prevention.

Those interested in participating in the clinics can contact Lindsey Vanden Berg (volleyball) at laspoden@uwm.edu or David Nikolic (soccer) at cosmo@uwm.edu. Clinic participants will receive free admission to that day's game. Anyone else who wears pink will be admitted for just $1.

For more information on the events or clinics, or to buy tickets, call the Panther Ticket Office at 414-229-5886.