Pink will be the dominant color in Memorial Gymnasium Sunday, Feb. 14, as the Vanderbilt Commodores Women’s Basketball team participates in the annual Pink Out! game to raise awareness about breast cancer.
Pink is the color associated with breast cancer research and survivorship, so the Commodores will wear special uniforms during the matchup against the Kentucky Wildcats and fans are encouraged to wear pink in support of cancer patients, survivors and those who have been lost to the disease.
According to the National Cancer Institute, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, with an estimated 230,000 new cases diagnosed every year in the United States.
The Pink Out! events are part of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) “Play4Kay” breast cancer awareness program, named in honor of Kay Yow, former North Carolina State University women’s head basketball coach. Yow was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987 and died in 2009 after her third bout with the disease.
During this year’s game, free Pink Out! shirts will be distributed to a select number of fans, pink pompoms will be available and special programs will be sold in the Southeast Lobby of the gym.
This year, fans can write messages on ribbons in memory or in honor of friends or family members diagnosed with breast cancer.
The ribbons also will be on display in the Southeast Lobby.
The Vanderbilt vs. Kentucky game is scheduled to start at 3 p.m. Tickets are available in advance and on game day. For more information, call 615-322-GOLD (4653) or visit www.vucommodores.com.
