D'YOUVILLE VOLLEYBALL DIGS PINK FOR BREAST CANCER RESEARCH

For the last four years, the D’Youville College women’s volleyball team has put on their Dig Pink Game, assisting in raising funds for breast cancer research. On Wednesday, October 11, the women once again contributed to raising awareness for an extremely worthy cause.

“Dig Pink is one of the most fun nights of the year for us,” said head volleyball coach Stephanie Kazmierczak. “It brings everyone together for a great cause.”

Against Penn State-Behrend on Wednesday, the women helped raise funds for breast cancer on behalf of The Side-Out Foundation. Throughout the day and at the game, t-shirts were sold by members of D’Youville’s Athletics Committee. Pink bracelets were also sold to raise money.

In total, Athletics Committee and the women raised $723.

“The support we received from Athletics Committee and the D’Youville community was amazing,” Kazmierczak added.

The Side-Out Foundation was created by Rick Dunetz, a coach dealing with a personal battle with cancer. Dunetz, a high school volleyball coach at West Springfield High School, shared with his team that his mother Gloria, had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Gloria’s story helped inspire the West Springfield women’s volleyball team to the school’s first district championship. Sadly, Gloria passed away in August of 2010.

As part of The Side-Out Foundation, the Dig Pink Rally is an event that only takes place in October. The event helps raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research, support those with the terrible disease, and showcase the power of teamwork.

All of the funds raised from Dig Pink and the Side-Out Foundation go directly to their own research. That innovative research is working on slowing the progression of stage four breast cancer and improving how cancers are treated.

In total, the foundation has raised over $10 million.