IPFW Pink Out celebrates breast cancer survivors

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) -? IPFW turned pink Saturday with the 5th annual women's basketball Pink Out event. It raises money and awareness for breast cancer, but most off all, it celebrates survivors.

"It gives an opportunity for survivors to be acknowledged and gives them a day of recognition each and every year," Tommy Bell, IPFW's athletic director, said.

More than 60 breast cancer survivors came to a luncheon and then the women's basketball game. At halftime, a special ceremony honored them. Each survivor said how many years she's been cancer-free.

"It makes you feel so special and there are so many survivors. It lets you know how God works. He can save us," Deloris McKee, a 15-year breast cancer survivor, said.

McKee and Josie Hale, who's a five-year breast cancer survivor, have been coming to IPFW's Pink Out event since it started five years ago.

"I love coming here. We look forward to seeing all the people we see but once a year," Hale said.

Seeing other survivors, they say, is inspirational.

"Every little pain you have, it reminds you of cancer. It's the first thing you think about. It's good to have people to talk to and they can uplift you and laugh. That's the main thing. Laugh. That's a good healer," McKee said.

Hale added being around other survivors is encouraging for not only her, but for people still battling the disease.

"This used to be a disease that once you had it, it was over for you. But now, there's hope. Where there's life, there's hope. So, don't give up. Keep hoping because we're here for you," Hale said.

Part of that hope is thanks to research. Money raised at the Pink Out goes to the Vera Bradley Foundation , which donates to breast cancer research.

One dollar from each ticket sold for the game and silent auctions raised the money. Bell said past Pink Out days have raised around $2,500 and he hopes it will keep growing higher.

Fred Toenges Shoes created special pink shoes for the day. Some were up for grabs in the silent auctions and people could even bid on the shoes worn by Bell and Women's Basketball Head Coach Chris Paul.

The annual event also hits home with the team.

"One of our players has a moving story because her grandmother is a survivor. They see as young women that awareness is important to them for their health and wellbeing. It gives our student athletes an opportunity to reflect and see what it takes to be a good community member," Bell said. "It affects them on all these different levels, socially and emotionally, so we're excited it's a two-way street in this event."

The Lady Dons donned pink shoe laces and socks in the game. The team fell to Oral Roberts in overtime 61-62.

The day, though, is about much more than the game. It's a day McKee hopes even more survivors will come to next year.

"A lot of people are embarrassed because of their cancer. I was when I was first diagnosed, but I'm not embarrassed anymore because it's a miracle that I'm still here. I'm asking all the survivors, if you're out there, come out and show what God can do," she said.

Source: http://www.wane.com/dpp/news/local/ipfw-pink-out-celebrates-breast-cancer-survivors

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