March 16, 2009
NORMAL, Ill. -
The Illinois State Athletics Department, in conjunction with the American Cancer Society's "Coaches vs. Cancer" initiative and the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA), will "Go to Bat for Cancer" Tuesday when the Illinois State softball team plays host to in-state foe Illinois at 5 p.m. at Marian Kneer Softball Stadium.
The Illinois State softball team will be honoring all those affected by cancer by wearing special pink jerseys during the game in order to raise awareness for breast cancer.
"This is a great opportunity for Redbird softball and Illinois State Athletics to give something back to an organization (the American Cancer Society) that is so vital to cancer survivors and those battling through cancer," said Illinois State head softball coach Melinda Fischer. "This is a great way for Illinois State Athletics and our softball program to honor and pay tribute to those who have been afflicted with cancer and have found the strength to lead happy and fulfilling lives. It's an opportunity for the Illinois State softball program to take part in an event that we have never done before in order to help others."
The McClean County affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation will have a table set up at the game to provide information regarding breast cancer and ways in which Illinois State Athletics fans can help in the fight against breast cancer.
The Zeta Tau Alpha sorority will also be handing out pink ribbons to fans entering the game. All fans are encouraged to wear pink to show their support for breast cancer awareness.
Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of death for women and the leading overall cause of cancer in women between the ages of 20 and 59. In the United States, breast cancer is expected to be newly diagnosed every three minutes.
First pitch of Tuesday's non-conference game between Illinois State and Illinois at Marian Kneer Softball Stadium is slated for 5 p.m.
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