Breast Cancer "Think Pink" Theme Basketball Game Set on Cherokee Nation

Native News Network Staff in Native Health. Discussion »

Tuesday, January 31

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - Sequoyah Schools will host its annual "Think Pink" basketball game on Tuesday, January 31. The game is part of a nationwide breast cancer awareness event that encourages fans to wear pink shirts and teams to hold events to raise awareness of breast cancer.

“All of our funds help locally with those fighting and surviving cancer,”

said Bill Nobles, Sequoyah girls' basketball head coach.

"It is a tremendous privilege to acknowledge those women that have defeated this terrible disease as they are an inspiration to everyone."

In the past, Sequoyah's "Think Pink" basketball games have raised more than $4,000. All money raised is then donated to the breast cancer support group at Cherokee Nation's W.W. Hastings Hospital.

"We always have a recognition ceremony and reception for the local breast cancer survivors in conjunction with the game,"

said Tera Shows, event coordinator.

"We will also sell t-shirts and other items to raise money for our local breast cancer support group."

Sequoyah High School is located at 16401 South 4180 Road in Claremore. Local breast cancer survivors are encouraged to attend and be part of the festivities.

This will be the fifth annual "Think Pink" basketball game at Sequoyah. The annual "Think Pink" campaign was launched in 2007 by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association to utilize women's sports as an arena to raise breast cancer awareness. College campuses across the nation each chose one home game as their "Think Pink" game to raise money and educate the public on breast cancer.

Five years ago, the Women's Basketball Coaches Association also invited high school girls' basketball teams to join in and declare one home game a "Think Pink" game. The Sequoyah Lady Indians jumped at the chance to participate. Sequoyah has since expanded their breast cancer awareness efforts to include other student organizations and a fundraising football game in October.

Breast cancer survivors should confirm their attendance by contacting Barbara Neal with the Cherokee Nation Cancer Program at 918-453-5138 or by email at barbara-neal@cherokee.org.

posted January 23, 2012 6:10 am est