PENN ST. ALTOONA PINK OUT CONTRIBUTES $2,400 TO FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER

The Penn State Altoona women’s basketball team closed their season on a winning note last Saturday, raising more than $2,400 in their annual "pink out" game in support of the fight against breast cancer.

The Lady Lions raised donations collected in canisters at home basketball games and local businesses, selling “Pink Out” t-shirts and pink ribbons, and raffling theme baskets and a Penn State-themed wreath. The team presented Tim Balconi, the president of UPMC Altoona’s Foundation for Life, with a check at halftime of their game to assist the hospital’s efforts in breast cancer treatment.

“Our efforts this year have been utilized by UPMC Altoona to purchase a mammography chair for patients who are unable to stand during their imaging procedures,” explained Penn State Altoona women’s basketball head coach Casey Shoup. “We will continue to support cancer awareness and strive to give more each year.”

With the help of area businesses, fans, and students, the Penn State Altoona women’s basketball team has donated money to Altoona’s hospital for the past seven years to aid the fight against breast cancer on a local level. It has become a popular and successful tradition that the women’s team plans to continue every year.

Before Saturday’s game, breast cancer survivor and Penn State Altoona employee Dana Chestney was recognized during a ceremonial tipoff. The Lady Lions played the game in pink uniforms in honor of breast cancer survivors and victims alike.