“Big Pink” 2013: The Fight of Our Lives

From Tuesday October 1 to Thursday October 3, Big Pink Volleyball will be coming back to the campus of Texas A&M University-Commerce at the Morris Recreation Center gym. The kick-off event is scheduled for Tuesday at 6 pm in the MRC gym, and it is a spirit button approved event.

Big Pink Volleyball is a traditional volleyball tournament with one giant twist — a four foot Kin-Ball. It began in 2002 at Western Illinois University with the idea to have fun while raising money for breast cancer awareness. Since then, Big Pink has spread to over 24 different institutions, and this is the second annual event on the A&M-Commerce campus.

“Our theme this year is ‘The Fight of Our Lives',” said Kari Osborne, Big Pink Committee Chair. “We want to spread the message to our campus community that breast cancer is a disease that can occur in both men and women. We are also placing an emphasis on OUR lives—many will experience breast cancer from a support role or care giver role—your mother, girlfriend, wife, daughter, or best friend may battle this disease in their lifetime—so it's not just a disease that impacts females, it impacts us all.”

Big Pink Volleyball is hosted by a committee from Campus Life & Student Development, and all of the proceeds go to breast cancer donation funds like the Bridge Breast Network and the Jennifer Huie Scholarship Fund. The Bridge Breast Network saves lives by providing access to diagnostic and treatment services for breast cancer to low income, uninsured and underinsured individuals. The Bridge serves women in 16 counties in the DFW area, including Hunt County. Jennifer Huie was a highly ranked nursing student, but due to her diagnosis with a rare form of breast cancer, Jen was unable to achieve her goal. Through the memorial Jennifer Huie Scholarship Fund, established by her family, one nursing student per year at A&M-Commerce will be assisted. Jason Bone, Jen's brother, is a UPD police officer, and this scholarship was his final birthday gift to his sister.

Teams can be made up of students, faculty, staff and community members, but they must have a minimum of four players and a maximum of ten players. Big Pink Volleyball is open to any skill level and age. There is a $5 minimum donation per team member. Big Pink t-shirts will also be on sale for $10 during the event.

Registration packets will be available at the MRC. Registration packets and t-shirt orders can be submitted at the MRC Business center Monday-Thursday, 7 am-7 pm or on Fridays, 11 am-7 pm.

To find out how to volunteer or for more information on Big Pink Volleyball, contact Kari Osborne at [email protected].