Stories

During Think Pink Week (Oct. 19–27) at Vassar, teams will wear pink socks, warm-up shirts, shoelaces or swim caps, and all teams will dedicate their home games to victims or survivors of breast cancer and their families. The men’s and women’s soccer teams, men’s and women’s rugby teams, men’s and women’s swim and diving teams, women’s volleyball and field hockey teams will participate.

Members of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) will publicize the event the week of Oct. 21 by handing out information—and free pink lemonade—at tables in the College Center. Students, faculty and staff will be asked to write something pertaining to Breast Cancer Awareness Month on a piece of pink paper, and the messages will be assembled into a paper chain. “We’re excited for this opportunity to be raising awareness about this important issue,” said SAAC President Annie MacMillan, a member of the women’s volleyball team.

MacMillan said SAAC members will also be distributing information about Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation, a Poughkeepsie-based organization that provides support to families affected by the disease. Pari Forood ’80, executive director of Miles of Hope, thanked Vassar’s athletes for raising awareness about breast cancer. “As a VC alumna/athlete, I am proud of Vassar Athletics and athletes taking the time and initiative to recognize the need for breast cancer awareness,” Forood said. “As the Executive Director of the Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation, I know how important it is for people to recognize the importance of preventive care (annual mammograms) and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to reduce cancer risk.”