Throughout the month of October, Quinnipiac Athletics has been honoring Breast Cancer Awareness month through its initiative “QU Fights Cancer” at various women’s competitions.
On Quinnipiac’s York Hill Campus, the M&T Bank Arena was lit pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month during the women’s ice hockey game against Syracuse on Oct. 18.
During Saturday’s women’s soccer matchup against Iona, attendees had the chance to grab pink shirts, wristbands, rubber ducks and enter a raffle to win a pink Quinnipiac soccer jersey.
For this group of Bobcats, this always means a little more than your typical game day. It provides an opportunity to play for more than just yourself.
“Obviously it is more than just a game to us,” graduate student defender Victoria Foster said. “A lot of people are affected by that. To come out here and get the win just shows how much we care about these people.”
With roughly 13% of the female population affected by breast cancer, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, chances are you or someone you know has been impacted by the disease.
“Cancer is an insidious disease, probably affects everybody, we all know someone who’s passed away or struggled with it,” Quinnipiac women’s soccer head coach Dave Clarke said.
The day had added significance for women’s soccer because its associate athletic trainer, Olivia King, battled breast cancer last year. King provided the pink jerseys worn by the players during the game.
“It means a lot more to us this year than in past years,” graduate student forward Courtney Chochol said. “Liv King was struggling with breast cancer. This was for her, she was the one that got us these jerseys which makes it that just more important.”
Following Quinnipiac’s 2-1 win over Iona, Clarke discussed the growing need for a cure, and he believes Quinnipiac could be the starting place to do it.
“We have a full medical school,” Clarke said. “I encourage someone to go find a cure because we all have sisters, brothers, parents, grandparents that have the disease and passed away. It’s in honor of them and then the connection for the players with specific people.”