IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 8, 2009
CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine:

Office: 724.738.4854

Cell: 724.991.8302

gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

Programs fight breast cancer 

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The Slippery Rock University community will have three opportunities to help fight breast cancer this month and learn more about the importance of screening and early detection.
           The third annual “In The Pink…Stride for a Cure, Breast Cancer Awareness Walk” will take place at 12:30 p.m. Oct. 20. T-shirts are on sale for $10 and pink wristbands are also available for $1 at the Robert N. Aebersold Student Recreation Center and the Student Government Association Bookstore in the University Union. All proceeds will benefit the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition. The walk will begin at the ARC and follow and a set path through campus.
       “Last year, we raised more than $1,700,” said Karla Fonner, SRU coordinator of The Bridge Project housed and an event organizer. “The Women’s Center feels breast cancer is an important issue that impacts women of all ages.  Because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it seems natural for us to hold the walk during this month to bring attention to the disease and encourage more women to engaged in routine screening leading to early detection and cure.”
          The Women’s Center and Student Health Services will offer a free discussion about breast health called “It’s Not Your Grandma’s Breast Cancer Anymore” at 12:30 p.m. Oct. 22 in Room 206 of the University Union. The discussion will focus on everyday products and the environmental factors linked to breast cancer. Participants are encouraged to bring examples of their personal care products.  
            Women’s volleyball players are taking up the cause as well by sponsoring the team’s annual “Dig for a Cure” match at 4 p.m. Oct. 24 against Mercyhurst. Players are soliciting donations or pledges for every dig recorded during the match. The team is averaging 60 digs per match this season. A dig is when player makes a last-second dive for the ball and prevents it from hitting the floor.
          The team is also selling “Dig for a Cure” T-shirts for $10 and wristbands for $1. Free-will contributions will be accepted during the match. All proceeds will benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation for the Cure. The foundation is dedicated to education and research about causes, treatment and the search for a breast cancer cure.
            This is the third year The Rock has hosted a “Dig for the Cure” event. The first two events generated more than $8,000 in donations to the Komen Foundation.
            To make a pledge or get more information on the SRU event, visit http://www.rockathletics.com/news/2009/10/6/GEN_1006094236.aspx or contact Erin Street, Rock assistant volleyball coach, at erin.street@sru.edu or 724.738.4960.
        The “Dig for the Cure” project was founded in 2003 at University of North Carolina-Charlotte by head volleyball coach Lisa Marston after her mother was diagnosed with the disease. In the last five years, more than $300,000 has been raised for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, which distributes monies to local chapters. The closest Komen Foundation chapter is in Pittsburgh. Pennsylvania state employees can contribute to the fund through the annual SECA campaign.

 Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.